The answer
Some biblical scholars believe that St. Joseph was a widower and that his son, James, also traveled with the Holy family to Egypt. That is why some Coptic icons reveal a young child with them on this journey. Other biblical scholars believe that he was never married since there was no mention of this, and no one stepped up to care for St. Mary, except St. John the beloved, who was her own relative, and was, therefore, assigned by the Lord Christ to care for her. St. Joseph is a beloved saint, highly esteemed in all the apostolic churches, and is sometimes lovingly referred to as the "Protector of Virgins" for his humility, obedience, care of the Virgin Mary, and devotion to God in bearing the responsibility of the Holy Family.Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)