Joseph is the kind and generous man who offered a newly carved tomb for the burial of our Lord. He is often made mention of in Station 14- Jesus is laid in the tomb.
All that is known for certain concerning him is from the Gospels. We do not have any trustworthy historical narratives about his life after the gospels. He was born at Arimathea, a town that literally translates into- city of Jews. He was a wealthy, “rich” man (Matthew 27:57). He was also "a good and a just man" (Luke 23:50). He was a holy man, "who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God" (Mark 15:43). He was also a distinguished member of “the council,” which means he is a member of the Sanhedrin or supreme council of the Jews.
He was a disciple of Jesus, probably ever since Christ’s first preaching in Judea (John 2:23), but he did not declare himself to be a follower, “for fear of the Jews" (John 19:38). On account of this secret friendship with Jesus, he did not consent to Jesus’ condemnation by the Sanhedrin (Luke 23:52), and was most likely absent from the meeting which sentenced Jesus to death (Mark 14:64).
The graphic crucifixion of Jesus most likely increased Joseph's faith and love, and gave him the idea of providing for His burial place, before the Sabbath/Passover began. Not thinking of any consequences of his action, a danger which would have been considerable under the circumstances, he boldly requested from Pilate for the Body of Jesus, and was successful in his request (Mark 15:43-45). I can only imagine the mockery and possible violence that was made toward Joseph when word got out about his request for the body.
Once in possession of this sacred treasure (think of our reverence to the Holy Eucharist), he — together with Nicodemus, who brought abundant spices — wrapped up Jesus’ body in fine linen and laid it in his own tomb, new and unused, and hewn out of a rock in a neighboring garden, and withdrew after rolling a great stone to the opening of the sepulcher (Matthew 27:59, 60).
It is not by chance that Jesus is laid in a new tomb that had never been used. Just as it was not by chance that he came into this world in a womb that had never brought forth a child. Virgin Womb; Virgin Tomb. It was God’s divine plan!
He is the patron of gravediggers, funeral directors, pallbearers and morticians