Joseph of Arimathea
Festividad: March 17
Courageous Sanhedrin member who gave his tomb to bury Jesus after the crucifixion.
Patronazgo
Funeral directors, grave diggers, undertakers, tin workers, metal workers
Virtudes y rasgos
Biografía
Joseph of Arimathea was a wealthy member of the Sanhedrin (Jewish council) and a follower of Jesus, though he kept his discipleship secret due to fear of the authorities. According to the Gospels, he was a righteous and devout man waiting for the kingdom of God. After Jesus' crucifixion, Joseph showed remarkable courage by requesting Jesus' body from Pontius Pilate, a bold act that risked his own reputation and standing. He then personally prepared Christ's body for burial, wrapping it in a fine linen shroud and placing it in his own unused tomb hewn from rock. Though his story concludes in the biblical account after the resurrection, later Christian tradition expanded his legend significantly, claiming he traveled to Britain, became an evangelist, and founded Glastonbury Abbey. His Gospel account demonstrates the faithful support of Jesus beyond his closest apostles.