St. Joseph is a biblical figure recognized in many Christian sects as the husband of Mary and corporeal father of Jesus Christ. He is also the patron saint of house sellers & buyers, families, fathers, expectant mothers, travelers, immigrants, craftsmen and engineers/workers.

Why, you may ask? Let us tell you! 

In the Catholic tradition, St. Joseph is known to be the patron saint of home and family. Over the years, that role has evolved to also include home sales and real estate. It is said that Joseph protected Mary and Jesus from danger, which often involved bad real estate sales.

For years, sellers have been burying small St. Joseph statues upside down near the for-sale sign in their yards. While no one knows who exactly started this tradition, it is said that the original intention behind burying the St. Joseph statue upside down in the dirt was to incentivize the saint to sell the home in order to return him right side up.

 While the steps aren’t crystal clear on the exact process, some general recommendations are:

• Bury your St. Joseph statue near your For Sale sign.
• Make sure the statue is upside down.
• Make sure his placement signifies that you’ll be leaving the house soon. Sources recommend burying him close to and facing the road or near the back of the house or backyard flowers to represent that you’ll be leaving the house soon.
• Try to bury the statue 12 inches deep, if possible.
• If you’re selling an apartment or condo, you can bury your statue in a flowerpot, with or without plants, and place it on a deck or windowsill.
• Once your St. Joseph statue is in proper placement, say your prayers to the saint at the statue’s burial, and continue your prayers every day until the house is sold.
• When your house sells, sources say to reclaim your statue from the ground and take it with you. Some warn that leaving the statue can curse the house with a constant sale-and-purchase loop.

And yes, there is even a specific prayer to Saint Joseph that goes like this:

O Saint Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires.
O Saint Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, Our Lord, so that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.
O Saint Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath.
Saint Joseph, Patron of departed souls – pray for me. (Mention your intention.) Amen.