The Saints: St. Joseph of Arimathea

First century / Feast - Aug. 31

In all four Gospels, Joseph was the brave Jew who asked Pilate for Jesus' crucified body and buried him. Mark calls him "a distinguished member" of the Sanhedrin, while Luke notes that he "had not consented" to the council's plans. In Matthew, he is "a rich man," and John says he is a secret disciple of Jesus "for fear of the Jews." He shares his feast with Nicodemus, another Jew who went to Jesus secretly. From medieval times, Joseph was associated with Holy Grail legends.