THE DEATH OF JESUS' PATERNAL GRANDPARENTS / ST. JOSEPH'S PARENTS

Taken from THE BOOK OF JOSEPH:

For any accounting of the deaths of Joseph’s parents, Jesus' grandparents, the only source of information comes from the revelations of Mother Cecilia Baij, as no other venerable or saint has appeared to come forward with such details.

 
It has been revealed that St. Joseph was eighteen years of age when his parents died. His mother was first to die due to illness. It was Joseph, who would one day become the Patron of a Happy Death, who ministered to her in her last days. In her final moments, she experienced such happiness and consolation in the presence of her holy son:

Joseph was eighteen years of age when, his parents departed from this earthly life. He waited on his mother, strengthening and comforting her in her pain, begging God to give her patience in her agonizing illness (C. Baij, 1997, pg. 39).

The holy youth spent many nights watching over his mother and praying for her. He never tired of serving and comforting her with his holy love. Joseph remained with her until she expired. He was a great help not only to her, but also to his father, who was sorely grieved over the loss of so virtuous a companion in life (C. Baij, 1997, pg. 40).

St. Joseph, suffering the loss of his mother, had little time to grieve, as it was soon after her departure that his father had become ill. He would continue in his role as devoted son to his father, just as he had done for his mother, ministering to him in his final moments:

 It was not long afterwards that Joseph’s father became deathly sick. Joseph himself had been weakened considerably during the period of his mother’s painful illness, to which was now added his father’s serious affliction.

 … Joseph tended and served his father affectionately, both day and night, and encouraged him in the patient endurance of his sufferings and anxieties. As his father’s last hours arrived, Joseph attended him lovingly, encouraging … and consoling him. Then fully resigned with a firm hope of obtaining eternal life, Joseph’s father finally expired. Once his father had breathed his last, Joseph withdrew and allowed himself to find relief in tears. Indeed, he had every reason to be sorrowful, considering what a generous and loving father he had lost (C. Baij, 1997, pg. 41).

After the departure of his father, the image of eighteen-year-old Joseph falling under the weight of his tears is shown, not only allowing himself to grieve the loss of his parents whom he loved so dearly, but also commending himself, with filial trust, to the care of the Heavenly Father. Mother Cecelia Baij continues:

Joseph fell upon his knees, and in tears, besought the Divine Majesty for aid with these words: 

 “Oh God … Look down upon me, deprived of both father and mother. I     beg You, that in Your goodness You take me entirely under Your protection. I give and surrender myself entirely to You. … Since I am no longer subject to anyone but You, my God, give me the needed grace, so that I too may be able to say with the royal prophet:

‘My father and mother have left me, but the Lord has taken me up’ (Psalm 27:10). Do with me as it pleases You. May Your holy will be accomplished in me (C. Baij, 1997, pg. 44).”

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