Tradition of St. Joseph Home Seller

The claim is made that in order to invoke Saint Joseph's intercession for selling a house, one buries a small statue of the saint upside down facing away from the house near the "For Sale" sign. A short heartfelt prayer requesting Joseph's intercession is recited, for example:

Joseph of Nazareth, I beseech thee to intercede on my behalf to help me find a worthy buyer for my home. I ask this in the holy name of Christ. Amen

Once the house is sold, the statue of Joseph is dug up again and set in a place of honor in the person's new home as a reminder of the efficacy of Saint Joseph's intercession. This practice of burying a statue is considered superstitious and is frowned upon by the clergy and knowledgeable laity, but it is actively promoted by religious goods manufacturers and retailers. The practice is very common in Italy.

Millions believe that faith and prayer will assist them with the sometimes-difficult task of selling their homes. The long-standing tradition of the St. Joseph statue is a physical representation of the faith believers put in the will of God. This simple act is an indication that they are ready to accept God's help. Does practicing the St Joseph statue tradition guarantee your home will sell? Of course not. It lets God and St. Joseph know that you have faith in His will.