First silent male hero

One model of a male movie hero is the strong, silent type, depicted by actors such as Gary Cooper.

As Catholics, we honor during March a saint who could have set the pattern for strong, silent heroes - St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus and husband of Mary.

The Gospels give us no words of Joseph, though we could surmise what he said from the situations. Even though we have no sound bites from Joseph, Scripture shows him as a man of strong faith, devoted to the welfare of his wife and child.

As Pope John Paul said at a Sunday blessing on March 18, modern-day fathers driven by success and material well-being could learn from St. Joseph's quiet and simple fatherly style.

St. Joseph's life of quiet and unseen work grew from his sense of faith, obedience and service, the pope said.

"How precious is this 'school' of Nazareth for the contemporary man, ensnared by a culture that very often exalts appearance and success, independence and a false concept of individual freedom," the pope said. "How great the need, on the contrary, for recovering the value of simplicity and obedience, of respect and loving search for God's will."

In an era of broken and abusive homes, and absent, workaholic fathers, St. Joseph's example of loving care for others is a model for us all - both men and women.