Joseph, already at an advanced age, joined other celibates from Palestine, all descendants of David, recalled by some heralds from Jerusalem. The priest Zechariah had in fact ordered that all the sons of royal lineage be summoned to marry the young Mary, the future mother of Jesus, then twelve years old, who had lived for nine years in the temple. By divine indication, these celibates would bring their staff to the altar and God himself would then make one flourish, thus choosing the chosen one. Of all of them, only Giuseppe's flourished. The man defended himself, pointing out the age difference, but the priest warned him not to disobey God's will. Then Joseph took Mary as his wife and raised Jesus as if he were his own son.
 
Ink on paper. Part of the "Saints" series.
Size: 21 x 29,7 cm