Though the Catholic Church doesn't officially endorse burying a St. Joseph statue to sell your home, many homeowners and even some real estate agents swear by its effectiveness. This article explores the steps to follow if you want to try this unique method, its origins, and what to keep in mind if you decide to give it a go
Table of Contents
Burying a St. Joseph Figure Process
How Common Is it for Home Sellers to Bury a St. Joseph Statue?
The Origins of Burying St. Joseph
Burying St Joseph Statue to Sell a House Takeaways
Burying a St. Joseph Figure Process
Since the Catholic Church doesn't officially recognize the burying ritual, there isn't a standardized method for doing it. Some people follow their own methods without any specific instructions, while others use guidelines from burying kits available online and in stores. There are many different rules, both big and small, for performing the ritual, but no single "correct" way to do it. Here’s a guide based on the most commonly shared practices that seem to make sense.
1. Start by Covering the St. Joseph Statue
Protecting the statue is probably the most agreed-upon practice when observing the St. Joseph burying ritual. He needs to be covered. Some people wrap him in a dish towel while others use a plastic bag. It’s meant as a sign of respect, to prevent him from coming into contact with the dirt.
No matter who you talk to, covering the St. Joseph statue is the first thing you need to do if you are trying to bury St. Joseph's Statue to sell your house.
2. Find an Appropriate Place To Bury the St. Joseph Statue
St. Joseph should be buried on the property belonging to the house you want to sell, of course, but deciding where to bury him is also important. The best place to bury a St. Joseph Statue is near the for sale sign, or at least close to the property line near the road as this indicates that you are ready to sell the home. If you don't have a for-sale sign you can also bury him in a flower bed. If you live in an apartment or a condo without a yard you can also leave St. Joseph buried in a flowerpot outside your home.
3. Positioning the St. Joseph Statue
The most common practice is to bury the St. Joseph Statue around 12 inches deep. While we aren't sure about the origins of this, it may have something to do with the 12 disciples.
You'll also need to consider how to position the St. Joseph figure. For instance, many bury St. Joseph upside-down in the belief that selling the house will motivate him to get right-side up. Other people bury him facing the house and lying on his back.
4. Recite A Prayer After Burying St. Joseph
A prayer to St. Joseph is another common practice. Daily prayer is said to increase the odds that the house will sell quickly. After it sells, you’re supposed to take St. Joseph with you since leaving him buried forever is considered to be ungrateful for the saint’s help.
How Common Is it for Home Sellers to Bury a St. Joseph Statue?
Burying a St. Joseph statue to help sell a home is a relatively common practice among home sellers. Many people believe that St. Joseph, the patron saint of workers and families, can help them find a buyer more quickly. The tradition involves burying a small statue of St. Joseph upside down in the yard, usually near the "For Sale" sign. Some believe that saying a special prayer to St. Joseph each day can further increase the chances of selling the house.
While there is no scientific evidence to prove that burying a St. Joseph statue actually helps sell homes, many people find comfort in the ritual. It is often seen as a way to invite good luck and positive energy into the process of selling a home. Real estate agents and home sellers sometimes recommend this practice to clients who are looking for any extra help in a tough housing market. Despite its religious roots, the tradition has become popular among people of various faiths and backgrounds
The Origins of Burying St. Joseph
Saint Joseph is one of the Bible’s immediately recognizable figures. There are parades, feasts, and other celebrations around the world in observance of the life of St. Joseph, the father of Jesus. He has been sainted as a significant figure among Christian icons, who watches over families, workers, and homes. He's even become known as the patron saint of home sales as his presence is keenly felt in specific Catholic observances and even plays a quiet role in home sales and realty.
So where did the tradition of burying him to help sell a house come from? There are several possible origins, disputed by historians. One involves a 16th century Catholic named St. Teresa of Avila. The story goes that she and her nuns buried pictures of St. Joseph and prayed for land so they could open another convent. Of course, the story ends with the land being offered to them.
Another version of the origins of the practice (or perhaps merely another example), involves the German practice of burying these statues in the foundations of new houses. This tradition was given new life when Brother Andre Bessette paid tribute to that St. Teresa we mentioned by burying St. Joseph and praying for land for his new chapel. He soon received news that they were ready to make the sale.
All of this could be called history by believers and folklore by doubters. What remains entirely true is that only some people believed in this practice throughout history. In fact, the Catholic church doesn’t recognize burying St. Joseph statues as a legitimate Catholic observance (it doesn’t condemn it either). This means that you don’t have to be Catholic to take advantage of this good luck ritual.
The practice didn’t reach its modern heights until the 1990s. Today, burying a St. Joseph statue is relatively common, even supported by many realtors, some of whom buy these statues in bulk to give to their sellers.
Burying St Joseph Statue to Sell a House Takeaways
In summary, burying a St. Joseph statue is a simple and popular tradition that many believe can help sell a house. While the Catholic Church doesn't officially recognize this practice, it has deep historical roots and continues to be embraced by homeowners today. Whether or not you believe in its power, it’s an easy ritual to try. Just remember, it's also important to use effective selling strategies like hiring a good real estate agent or putting effort into marketing your home. After all, combining a bit of tradition with practical steps might just bring you the best results.