Many images of St. Joseph, including the statue at his Altar at St. Mary’s, have St. Joseph holding a budding staff (typically budding lilies). This detail is drawn from a pious belief that St. Joseph was miraculously chosen to be the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is related that when it was time for Mary, who was living out her dedication at the Temple in Jerusalem, to wed, the High Priest ordered the suitors to present their staffs. Upon doing this, Joseph’s staff miraculously budded to show that God had approved him to be the husband of Mary.
