The places he appeared. The things he did.
The apparitions of St. Joseph are fewer and quieter than those of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and that is perfectly in character. He was always the one in the background, the protector standing just behind the light, doing his work without drawing attention to himself.
But when he does appear, the meaning is unmistakable. At Fatima, he blessed the world alongside Mary and the Child Jesus during the Miracle of the Sun. At Knock, he stood in silent prayer, head inclined, the image of a husband's devotion. At Cotignac, he pointed to a hidden spring that would heal the sick for centuries. At the side of saints like Teresa of Ávila, Faustina, and Thérèse of Lisieux, he appeared in visions and dreams, offering protection, provision, and a father's steady kindness.
He does not demand attention. He simply shows up when he is needed, does what needs to be done, and steps back into the quiet. That is who he has always been.
1
Vatican Approved
These apparitions have been formally recognized by the Holy See or received a definitive declaration of supernatural character through Vatican authority. They represent the highest level of Church recognition for private revelation.
2
Bishop Approved
These apparitions have been recognized by the local bishop or diocese as authentic and worthy of belief, or have received a Nihil Obstat from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, meaning the Church finds nothing contrary to the faith and supports the devotion. Some have been recognized for centuries through consistent episcopal and papal support without a formal Vatican declaration.
3
Other
These apparitions have not received formal Church approval, either because the process is ongoing, because the Church has issued a "non constat" judgment (meaning the supernatural character has not been established), or because the political or historical circumstances have prevented a definitive ruling.