Instrumentation: Combined Choir, Orchestra and Band

Grade 3

Commissioned by: Wahlert Catholic High School, Dubuque IA (2026)

Program Notes:

Since 2021—the Year of St. Joseph proclaimed by Pope Francis—I have felt drawn to know this quiet guardian more deeply. Through prayer and spiritual reading, I came to see that his most noble calling on earth was the protection and faithful guardianship of Jesus and Mary.

In composing a work in honor of St. Joseph—with a reverent nod to the angels—I reflected on what text to set, mindful that he is known as the “Silent Saint,” with no recorded words in Scripture. I ultimately chose the three Gospel passages recounting the angels’ messages to Joseph in dreams, interwoven with Old Testament prophecies traditionally associated with each vision. Complementing these are two mid-nineteenth-century hymns to St. Joseph, which beautifully portray his role as guardian and the trials endured by the Holy Family in their earliest days.

The angelic texts are set in a chant-like style, evoking proclamation and mystery. In contrast, the hymn settings unfold more lyrically, with band and orchestral voices accompanying and echoing the melodic gestures. Passages in 7/8 meter suggest both divine perfection and the covenantal bond between God and humanity. The work concludes in a spirit of prayer, humbly seeking St. Joseph’s intercession.

Duration: 5:52

Instrumentation:

Flutes 1-2

Clarinet

Alto Sax

Tenor Sax

Bari Sax

Trumpets 1-3

Trobone

Baritone

Violin I

Violin II

Viola

Cello

Double Bass

Bass Guitar

Timpani

Mallets 1: Glockenspiel

Mallets 2: Vibraphone, Marimba

Percussion: Sus. Cym., S.D., B.D., Tri., Gong

Text:

“Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, 

for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; 

she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 

Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, 

and his name shall be called Emmanuel.” (Mt. 1: 20-21, 23)

Dear guardian of Mary, dear nurse of her Child!

Life’s ways are full weary, the desert is wild;

“Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there till I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him. 

Out of Egypt I have called my son.” (Mt. 2:13, 15)

Bleak sands are ‘round us, no home can we see;

Sweet spouse of our Lady, we lean upon thee.

For you to the pilgrim are father and guide,

And Jesus and Mary felt safe by your side;

Ah, blessed Saint Joseph, how safe should I be,

Sweet spouse of our Lady, If you were with me!

“Rise, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead. He shall be called a Nazarene.” 

(Mt. 2:23)

You have not forgotten the long dreary road,

When Mary took turns with you, bearing your God;

Yet light was that burden, none lighter could be;

Sweet spouse of our Lady, oh, can you bear me?

Saint Joseph, pray for us!

Hymns: “Dear Guardian of Mary” and 

“O Blessed St. Joseph” by Frederick W. Faber