The CIRCUMCISION and PRESENTATION of ST. JOSEPH

From "THE BOOK OF JOSEPH" by Joe Rodrigues:

 

Concerning the little prince, St. Joseph, the Scriptures do not give any account of his childhood. As with the story of his conception and birth, one must look to the divinely inspired writings of Mother Cecelia Baij for details of Joseph’s circumcision, his early gift of reason, and his presentation in the Temple.

 

On the octave day of his birth, the parents had the infant circumcised … and he was given the name of “Joseph” (which means: May the Lord Give Increase). Though crying at first, the infant soon became quiet for among the many gifts which God had now bestowed upon him was the use of reason. And due to his sanctification in the womb, being freed of the stain of original sin, Joseph was already in the friendship of God (C. Baij, 1997, pg. 5).

Forty days after the birth of Joseph his parents brought him to the Jerusalem Temple to present him ... As the priest took Joseph into his arms, and presented and offered him to God, he experienced an extraordinary sensation of joy and consolation of spirit. The priest … perceived how pleasing this child was in the eyes of God. During the entire ritual Joseph’s eyes were open and directed towards heaven, being completely taken up and absorbed in God. … The priest revealed them that this child was pleasing to God, and was destined for great things … After hearing this, the parents gave thanks to God … their hearts profoundly touched and filled with joy. They carried Joseph home as a treasure, as a divinely conferred gift (C. Baij, 1997, pg. 6, 7).