Pray, Dig, and Believe: Burying St. Joseph for a Home Sale

Selling a home can be a stressful and challenging experience. In a competitive market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and anxious about finding the right buyer and closing the deal. For centuries, people facing this situation have turned to an unusual yet surprisingly popular practice: burying a statue of St. Joseph, the patron saint of home and family, in their yard. This tradition, rooted in faith and hope, is believed to invoke St. Joseph’s intercession to help expedite the sale of a property.

While it might sound unconventional, the ritual of burying St. Joseph is a tangible act of entrusting your hopes and worries to a higher power. It provides comfort and a sense of control during a time of uncertainty. Whether you’re a devout Catholic or simply open to exploring different avenues for success, this guide offers a comprehensive look at the tradition of burying St. Joseph, complete with detailed steps and instructions to help you navigate the process.

## The History and Significance of St. Joseph

Before delving into the specifics of the burying ritual, it’s important to understand who St. Joseph is and why he’s considered the patron saint of home and family. St. Joseph was the husband of Mary and the foster father of Jesus. He was a carpenter by trade, a just man, and a protector of his family. The Bible portrays him as a man of faith, obedience, and unwavering commitment to his responsibilities.

His role as the head of the Holy Family has led to his association with home, family, and security. People pray to St. Joseph for various needs, including finding employment, mending relationships, and, most relevant to our topic, selling a home. His reputation as a faithful and reliable figure has made him a popular intercessor for those seeking divine assistance in matters related to their domestic life.

The tradition of burying St. Joseph statues for home sales is a relatively modern phenomenon, with its origins generally traced back to the 1980s. While the exact origins are somewhat murky, the practice quickly gained traction and spread throughout the United States and beyond. It’s believed to have originated with an order of nuns who needed to sell land and buried a St. Joseph medal on the property. Another possible origin stems from builders who would bury medals on the properties they were developing, asking for St. Joseph’s blessing and protection.

## Why Bury St. Joseph?

The reasons people choose to bury a St. Joseph statue when selling a home are diverse and deeply personal. Here are some of the most common motivations:

* **Faith and Hope:** For many, burying St. Joseph is an act of faith, a way of entrusting their concerns to God and seeking divine intervention. It’s a tangible expression of their belief that St. Joseph will intercede on their behalf and help them find a buyer for their property.
* **Peace of Mind:** Selling a home can be emotionally taxing. The process involves numerous tasks, negotiations, and uncertainties. Burying St. Joseph can provide a sense of peace and comfort during this stressful time. It’s a way of taking action and feeling like you’re doing everything you can to facilitate a successful sale.
* **A Sense of Control:** In a competitive real estate market, it’s easy to feel helpless. Burying St. Joseph can offer a sense of control in a situation where you might otherwise feel powerless. It’s a proactive step that can empower you and boost your confidence.
* **Tradition and Community:** For some, burying St. Joseph is a tradition passed down through generations or a practice shared within their community. Participating in this ritual can provide a sense of connection to something larger than themselves and reinforce their sense of belonging.
* **A Little Extra Help:** Even those who aren’t particularly religious might view burying St. Joseph as a symbolic gesture of good luck. They might see it as a way to increase their chances of success and attract positive energy to the sale of their home.

## Choosing Your St. Joseph Statue

The first step in the process is selecting your St. Joseph statue. You can find St. Joseph statues at most Catholic bookstores, religious supply stores, and online retailers like Amazon or Etsy. The statue can be made of various materials, including plaster, resin, or wood. The size is not particularly important, although statues are typically around 3-4 inches tall. What is important is that the statue is blessed. If you purchase a statue online, it may not be blessed. You can have your local priest bless it for you. Some retailers sell kits that include the statue and a prayer card.

When choosing your statue, consider the following:

* **Material:** Choose a material that resonates with you. Plaster statues are often the most affordable, while resin and wood statues tend to be more durable.
* **Size:** Select a size that feels appropriate for your yard and the location where you plan to bury it. A smaller statue might be easier to conceal, while a larger statue might feel more substantial.
* **Appearance:** Choose a statue that appeals to you aesthetically. You’ll be interacting with it during the ritual, so it’s important to select one that you find pleasing.
* **Blessing:** Ensure that the statue has been blessed by a priest. A blessed statue is considered more powerful and effective.

## Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Bury St. Joseph

Once you have your St. Joseph statue, you’re ready to begin the burying ritual. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

1. **Choose a Location:** Select a spot in your yard where you’ll bury the statue. Traditionally, St. Joseph is buried in the front yard, facing the house. Some people bury him near the “For Sale” sign, if you have one. However, some traditions suggest burying him in the backyard facing the house. The important thing is to choose a location that feels right to you. You should also ensure that the location is easily accessible and safe to dig in. Be sure to call 811 before you dig to check for underground utilities.

2. **Prepare the Burial Site:** Using a shovel or trowel, dig a hole deep enough to completely bury the statue. The hole should be large enough to accommodate the statue without damaging it. Avoid digging too deep, as you’ll need to retrieve the statue later.

3. **Prepare the Statue:** Some traditions call for wrapping the statue in a cloth. This cloth can be a small piece of fabric, like a handkerchief or a square of burlap. Some wrap the statue in a prayer card or picture of the house. This is optional, but it’s a way of adding an extra layer of intention to the ritual.

4. **Say a Prayer:** Before burying the statue, take a moment to say a prayer to St. Joseph. You can use a traditional St. Joseph prayer or simply speak from the heart. Ask for his intercession in helping you sell your home quickly and for a good price. Be specific in your request, and express your gratitude for his assistance. There are several traditional prayers to St. Joseph that are appropriate. One popular prayer is:

* “Oh, St. Joseph, you who taught our Lord the carpenter’s trade, and saw to the needs of the Holy Family, bless our home and family. We place our property in your hands. Please help us sell it quickly and at a fair price. We will be forever grateful for your assistance.”

Another common prayer includes:

* “Dear St. Joseph, friend of the Sacred Heart, pray for us. Father, you protected and guided the Holy Family. We now entrust our family with all our hopes and needs. Pray that we may find a new home that will fulfill all our desires. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.”

5. **Bury the Statue:** Gently place the statue in the hole, ensuring that it’s facing the direction you’ve chosen (usually towards the house). Cover the statue with soil, and pat it down gently. As you bury the statue, continue to pray to St. Joseph and visualize the successful sale of your home.

6. **Mark the Spot (Optional):** While some prefer to leave the burial site unmarked, others choose to mark it with a small stone or a discreet marker. This can help you remember the location of the statue when it’s time to retrieve it. Just be sure to choose a marker that won’t attract unwanted attention or detract from the appearance of your yard.

7. **Maintain Your Faith:** Burying St. Joseph is not a magical solution; it’s an act of faith. Continue to pray to St. Joseph and trust in his intercession. Take practical steps to prepare your home for sale, such as decluttering, making repairs, and staging the property. The combination of faith and action is often the most effective approach.

## Important Considerations and Variations

While the basic ritual remains the same, there are some variations in how people choose to bury St. Joseph. Here are a few important considerations:

* **Orientation of the Statue:** As mentioned earlier, the traditional orientation is for the statue to face the house. However, some people prefer to bury it facing the street, believing that this will help attract potential buyers. Ultimately, the choice is up to you. Follow your intuition and choose the orientation that feels right.
* **Burying Upside Down:** Some traditions call for burying the statue upside down. This is believed to symbolize the urgency of the situation and encourage St. Joseph to work more quickly. If you choose to bury the statue upside down, do so with respect and reverence.
* **Burying with a Prayer Card:** Many people include a prayer card with the statue when they bury it. The prayer card typically features a St. Joseph prayer or a specific request related to the sale of the home. You can write your own prayer card or use a pre-printed one.
* **Burying with a Letter:** Some people write a letter to St. Joseph, expressing their hopes, fears, and gratitude. They then bury the letter along with the statue. This can be a powerful way to communicate your intentions and strengthen your connection with St. Joseph.
* **Local Customs:** Be aware that there may be local customs or traditions related to burying St. Joseph in your area. Ask around and see if there are any specific practices that are common in your community.

## Retrieving St. Joseph After the Sale

Once your home is sold, it’s time to retrieve the St. Joseph statue. This is an important part of the ritual, as it signifies the completion of the task and your gratitude to St. Joseph for his assistance.

1. **Thank St. Joseph:** Before you dig up the statue, take a moment to thank St. Joseph for his intercession. Express your gratitude for his help in selling your home.

2. **Dig Up the Statue:** Carefully dig up the statue from the location where you buried it. Be gentle and avoid damaging the statue.

3. **Clean the Statue:** Once you’ve retrieved the statue, clean it with a damp cloth. Remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on it.

4. **Give St. Joseph a Place of Honor:** After cleaning the statue, give it a place of honor in your new home. You can display it on a shelf, mantelpiece, or other prominent location. This is a way of showing your continued respect and gratitude to St. Joseph.

5. **Options for After Retrieval:** Some people keep the statue in their home as a reminder of St. Joseph’s help. Others choose to re-bury the statue at their new home, or give it to someone else who needs help selling a home. Some people donate the statue to a church or religious organization.

## What If the House Doesn’t Sell?

It’s important to remember that burying St. Joseph is not a guarantee that your home will sell. Real estate markets are influenced by various factors, and there’s no magic formula for success. If your home doesn’t sell despite your efforts, don’t lose faith. Consider the following:

* **Re-evaluate Your Strategy:** Take a step back and re-evaluate your selling strategy. Are you asking too much for your home? Is your marketing effective? Are there any repairs or improvements you can make to enhance its appeal?
* **Consult with a Real Estate Professional:** Seek advice from a qualified real estate agent. They can provide valuable insights into the local market and help you adjust your strategy accordingly.
* **Continue to Pray:** Don’t give up on your faith. Continue to pray to St. Joseph and trust that things will eventually work out for the best. Perhaps the timing isn’t right, or there’s a better opportunity waiting for you.
* **Consider Re-burying St. Joseph:** Some people choose to re-bury the statue in a different location or with a renewed prayer. This can be a way of reinforcing your intention and reaffirming your faith.
* **Remember, it’s not a reflection of your faith:** Sometimes, despite our best efforts and fervent prayers, things don’t go as planned. It’s essential not to interpret this as a sign of divine disapproval or a reflection of your faith. Instead, view it as an opportunity for growth, learning, and resilience.

## Alternatives to Burying

Not everyone is comfortable with the idea of burying a statue. If you prefer not to bury St. Joseph, here are some alternative options:

* **Place the Statue Inside:** Instead of burying the statue, you can place it inside your home. Some people put it in a prominent location, such as a windowsill or a shelf. Others place it near the front door, facing outward. You can still say a prayer to St. Joseph and ask for his intercession.
* **Keep the Statue with You:** Carry the statue with you as you go about your day. You can keep it in your pocket, purse, or car. This is a way of keeping St. Joseph close to you and feeling his presence throughout the day.
* **Pray the St. Joseph Novena:** A novena is a nine-day period of prayer. Praying the St. Joseph Novena is a powerful way to seek his intercession and ask for his help in selling your home. You can find the St. Joseph Novena prayer online or in many Catholic prayer books.
* **Display a St. Joseph Picture:** Instead of a statue, you can display a picture of St. Joseph in your home. Choose a picture that resonates with you and place it in a prominent location. You can still pray to St. Joseph and ask for his help.

## Final Thoughts

The tradition of burying St. Joseph for a home sale is a testament to the power of faith, hope, and tradition. While it might not be for everyone, it offers a tangible way to express your intentions, seek divine assistance, and find comfort during a stressful time. Whether you choose to bury a statue, pray a novena, or simply keep St. Joseph in your thoughts, remember that your faith and positive attitude are the most important factors in achieving your goals.

Selling a home is a significant life event. Approach it with faith, determination, and a little bit of St. Joseph’s help, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful sale.