♔ THE HOLY CHILD SAINT JOSEPH ♔

In the scriptures we are not given any details of St. Joseph’s childhood or his early manhood, so, as with the details of St Joseph’s conception and birth, we have to look to other divinely inspired sources for even a glimpse of Joseph before he appears in the Holy Bible.

Concerning the child Joseph, we have the revelations of Venerable Maria de Agreda, Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich, and Servant of God Mother Cecilia Baij. We are told that he was a humble and holy boy who possessed great understanding and awareness of God at a young age:

Blessed Anne Catherine  Emmerich: Joseph, whom I saw in this vision at about the age of eight, was very was very gifted and was a very good scholar, but he was simple, quiet, devout, and not at all ambitious . . .  I often saw him kneeling down with his face to the wall, praying with outstretched arms. 

Venerable Maria de Agreda: The holy child Joseph was born most beautiful and perfect of body and caused in his parents and in his relations an extraordinary delight… The  Lord hastened the use of his reason, endowing it with infused science and augmenting his soul with new graces and virtues. … The child began to know God … as the cause and Author of all things. He eagerly listened and understood profoundly all that was taught him in regard to God and his      works. … He was of a kind disposition, loving, and affable, sincere, showing inclinations not only holy but angelic, growing in virtue and perfection and advancing toward his espousal with most holy Mary by an altogether irreproachable life.

Mother Cecilia Baij: Joseph had the best of dispositions … He matured in a most outstanding manner, both physically and spiritually … God fashioned him according to His own heart and spirit, in order to eventually make him a worthy bridegroom for the Mother of the Divine Word. The child gratefully acknowledged these gifts which he was receiving from God. …

Joseph already possessed the gift of the use of reason, together with the gift of sanctifying grace, and as a result had a greater comprehension of  God and of the offences committed by mankind against Him. He shed copious tears in this regard and offered them to God with the plea that He might have mercy upon poor sinners, that He would enlighten them, and    enable them to see their grievous error…

♔ ST. JOSEPH'S PARENTS ♔

♔ ST. JOSEPH’S FATHER JACOB ♔

By the time of Jesus’ birth, the foreign king Herod of Ascalon had usurped the throne of the sons of King David. Nevertheless, Joseph remained the rightful heir of the kings of Judea. He was of royal lineage and the Bible traces his genealogy in the Gospel of St. Matthew, naming his father to be Jacob:

… Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac begot Jacob… Jesse begot David the king. And David the king begot Solomon… Matthan begot Jacob. And Jacob begot Joseph, the husband of Mary, and of her was born Jesus who is called Christ. – St. Matthew 1:1-16

Then how do we explain the genealogy given in the Gospel of St. Luke? If we read his account Joseph is still a descendent of King David but his father is not Jacob, but rather Heli:

And Jesus himself was beginning about the age of thirty years; being (as it was supposed) the son of Joseph, the son of Heli, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi… Nathan the son of David . . .  – St. Luke 3:23, 31

Now you ask, “How could Joseph have had two fathers?” This is how: Heli, also known as Joachim, was the father of the Blessed Virgin Mary – St. Joseph’s bride. According to the law, upon marrying the Virgin Mary, Joseph’s “legal father” or “father in-law” became Heli. If you notice in Matthew’s account, the word “begot” is used when descending the family tree, this means that they were biological fathers or at least guardians thought to be fathers. In St. Luke’s account, the words “son of” are used instead of “begot.” This could refer to “son in the eyes of the law,” our modern day “son in-law.”

Now, many of the names in Luke’s account are also biological fathers, so this may cause confusion. We must now look to other divinely inspired sources for confirmation that Jacob was indeed St Joseph’s biological father. According to the visions of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774-1824), St Joseph’s father was indeed Jacob – as was prefigured in the Old Testament. (Genesis 30:24):

Among many things which I saw today of the youth of St Joseph, I remember what follows. Joseph, whose father was called Jacob… His parents lived in a large house outside Bethlehem, once the ancestral home of David, whose father Jesse had owned it. 
   
♔ ST. JOSEPH’S MOTHER AND SIBLINGS ♔

We have already gone over the question of who fathered our illustrious St Joseph, and have come to the conclusion that it was Jacob; however the Bible is silent on the matter of who his mother was. Since the Old Testament Joseph appears to pre-figure our New Testament St. Joseph, and both testaments name Jacob as the name of both fathers, we can piously go with the idea that Rachel is the name of both mothers.

If we choose to, we may look to the Nihil Obstat & Imprimatur granted writings of Mother Cecilia Baij (1694-1766) who, as abbess of the Benedictine Convent of St. Peter in Montefiascone, Italy, received revelations from Our Lord in the middle of the 18th century:

St Joseph’s father’s name was Jacob and his mother’s name was Rachel. Both distinguished themselves by leading very holy lives; they had in common nobility of birth (both were of the family of David) as well as the practice of virtue.

As to the question of Joseph having brothers we are told by Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich, that he had five brothers. Most other mystics, however, claim that St. Joseph was an only child. These “brothers” mentioned by Emmerich were most likely cousins who at times lived with Joseph’s family. According to early Church tradition and as chronicled by St. Hegesippus (110-180), Cleophas, also referred to as Alpheus, was a relative to St. Joseph who was sometimes referred to as his brother. He was wed to the Virgin Mary’s cousin, who was also named Mary. He is mentioned in the Gospel of St. John 19:25 and of St. Luke 24:18.

 

♔ THE SANCTIFICATION OF ST JOSEPH IN THE WOMB ♔

Before I formed thee in the bowels of thy mother, I knew thee: and before thou camest forth out of the womb, I sanctified thee... Jeremiah 1:5

Through the Servant of God, Mother Cecilia Baij, whose writings were given both the Imprimatur and Nihil Obstat, we learn of the circumstances of St Joseph’s conception and birth. These events mirror those of the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:5) and St John the Baptist (St Luke1:5-19, 41-44) who were sanctified in the womb several months after their conception (freed from the stain of original sin by the grace of God, not to be confused with the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.)

Servant of God, Mother Cecilia Baij: God permitted that their (Jacob and Rachel’s) marriage should, for a time, prove to be unfruitful, for He wished Joseph to be a child obtained through prayerful entreaty. … His parents generously bestowed alms upon the poor and for the temple in Jerusalem. They also made many pilgrimages to beg God for the desired offspring! God, before long, provided consolation.

It was on one occasion… in the temple, that Joseph’s mother experienced an inner conviction that God had heard her prayer … and indeed she conceived St Joseph. …

The happiness and piety of the parents were increased when an angel came to reveal to them … secret facts concerning this child. … It was disclosed that the child would have the happy privilege of seeing the promised Messiah and associating with Him …

The momentous day arrived. Joseph’s mother gave birth to her child with ease… The tiny babe had a most angelic, venerable, and serene expression … and the mere sight of him was an occasion of spiritual stimulation for everyone. …

Joseph was in the grace and friendship of God, having been previously freed of the stain of original sin. … Joseph had the best of dispositions: he was endowed with gifts. He matured in a most outstanding manner, both physically and spiritually; … His soul’s growth was derived from the graces he obtained from the divine bounty and generosity. God fashioned him according to His own heart and spirit, in order to eventually make him a worthy bridegroom for the Mother of the Divine Word. The child acknowledged these gifts which he was receiving from God. 

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In the seventeenth century, a Spanish mystic named Maria de Agreda (1602-1665) was also given heavenly insights into the life of the Holy Family, which were compiled in her monumental work, Mystical City of God. Her writings have been acclaimed throughout the centuries by Popes and theologians, and she has since been declared Venerable by the Church. She too was shown that St Joseph was sanctified in his mother’s womb:

Venerable Maria de Agreda: Joseph was to be a miracle of holiness, as he really was. This marvelous holiness commenced with the formation of his body in the womb of his mother. In this the providence of God himself interfered, regulating the composition of the four radical humors of his body with extreme nicety of proportion and securing for him that evenly tempered disposition which made his body a blessed earth fit for the abode of an exquisite soul and well-balanced mind (Wisdom 8:19.)

He was sanctified in the womb of his mother seven months after his conception, and the leaven of sin was destroyed in him for the whole course of life, never having felt any impure or disorderly movement. 

Although he did not receive the use of his reason together with this first sanctification, which consisted principally in justification from original sin, yet his mother at the time felt a wonderful joy of the Holy Ghost. Without understanding entirely the mystery she elicited great acts of virtue and believed that her son, would be wonderful in the sight of God and men.

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The sanctification of Joseph in the womb is a remarkable example of God’s infinite wisdom and goodness in preparation for the Incarnation of God the Son. The Heavenly Father sanctified Joseph so that when the time came for him to wed the Blessed Virgin Mary and raise Our Lord Jesus as his own son, he would be the most perfect and holy husband and father. Just as pharaoh deemed Joseph of the Old Covenant to be the worthy prince over his possessions (Psalm 104:21 Douay-Rheims) and intercessor for those who hungered (Genesis 41:55), so too did our almighty and ever living God choose from eternity this new Joseph to be born to protect and adore His most precious treasures: Our Lord Jesus Christ – the Bread of life (St. John 6:35), and His perfect tabernacle, the Virgin Mary (St. Luke 1:42.)
 
St. Alphonsus Liguori: When God, destines anyone for a particular office, He gives him the graces that fit him for it. Therefore, since God chose St. Joseph to fill the office of father over the person of the Incarnate Word, we must certainly believe that he conferred upon him all the sanctity which belonged to such an office. Among other privileges, Joseph had three which were special to him. Firstly, that he was sanctified in his mother's womb, as were Jeremias and St. John the Baptist. Secondly, that he was at the same time confirmed in grace. And thirdly, that he was always exempt from the inclinations of concupiscence—a privilege with which St. Joseph by the merit of his purity, favors his devout clients by delivering them from carnal appetites.

 

♔ THE SLEEPING ST. JOSEPH ♔

God speaks ... by a dream in a vision by night, when deep sleep falls upon men, and they are sleeping in their beds:  Then he opens the ears of men, and instructs them in what they are to learn. – Job 33:14-16

Pope Benedict XVI:  St. Joseph is presented as a “just man” (Matthew 1:19), faithful to God’s law, ready to do His will. On account of this he enters into the mystery of the Incarnation after an angel of the Lord appears to him in a dream and tells him: "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife with you. In fact the child that has been conceived in her comes from the Holy Spirit; she will give birth to a son and you will call him Jesus: he in fact will save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:20-21). Forgetting the thought of repudiating Mary in secret, he takes her in because his eyes now see the work of God in her.

St. Matthew 2:13-14  When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him." So Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt...

St. Alphonsus Liguori: Consider the ready obedience of St. Joseph, who raised no doubts about the time of the journey, nor about the manner of travelling, nor about the place in Egypt in which they were to stay, but immediately prepared to set out. He instantly makes known to Mary the command of the angel, and on the same night sets out without guide on a journey of 400 miles through mountains, across rugged roads and deserts. … How much St. Joseph must have suffered on the journey into Egypt in seeing the sufferings of Jesus and Mary! … Joseph was indeed conformed in all things to the will of the Eternal Father, but his tender and loving heart could not but feel pain in seeing the Son of God trembling and weeping from cold and the other hardships which He experienced on that hard journey.

St. Matthew 2:19-22  Behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Arise, and take the child and His mother, and go into the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” So he arose and took the child and his mother, and went into the land of Israel.

Pope St. John Paul II:  And so Jesus' way back to Nazareth from Bethlehem passed through Egypt. Just as Israel had followed the path of the exodus "from the condition of slavery" in order to begin the Old Covenant, so Joseph, guardian and cooperator in the providential mystery of God, even in exile watched over the one who brings about the New Covenant.

St. Matthew 2:22-23  But hearing that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, Joseph was afraid to go there; and being warned in a dream, he withdrew into the region of Galilee.  And he went to a town called Nazareth. 

This passage from Matthew (2:22-23) is often passed over quickly without a word or thought, but I believe that even this scene merits mention. In it we find that Joseph is afraid to return to Judea with his family, fearing that Herod’s successor would seek to destroy his Son. Though St. Joseph has faith he still has a temporal fear which is a part of the human condition and the Heavenly Father understands this. So once again He sends His messenger to instruct Joseph on what he is to do. This mention of Joseph’s fear speaks volumes not only about our human frailties but also of God’s compassion. The Heavenly Father allows Joseph to have, to a certain extent, self reliance even if it allows for him to fear. But the Lord is merciful, and so He sends his messenger to advise Joseph on the course he should take, to bring his family safely out of exile.

ARTICLE FROM “VATICAN INSIDER”

ANDREA TORNIELLI - Vatican City

Pope Francis has a statuette of St. Joseph near his room in St. Martha’s House, where he leaves prayer requests: “He’s a carpenter and he gets the job done, even though he sometimes makes you wait”

 “The Holy Father really makes St. Joseph work. Francis’ devotion to Jesus’ adoptive father has spread to all those who work in and around the Pope’s residence, including the Swiss Guards…” Francis has a great devotion for St. Joseph and even keeps a statuette of the saint in a marble-topped dark wooden chest of drawers just outside his room (Room 201) in St. Martha’s House. The Pope slips prayer requests he has written under the pedestal and as the pieces of paper grow in number – “the Holy Father really makes the saint work” - the statuette slowly rises.

Today, 1 May, is the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker and so it is the right occasion to write about a devotion which has accompanied Pope Francis since his childhood days. The parish of Flores, the Buenos Aires neighbourhood where Francis was born and grew up, is dedicated to San José. It was in this church, dedicated to Jesus’ adoptive father, that Bergoglio attended mass and had his earliest Christian experiences. It was in this parish and under St. Joseph’s protection that on 21 September 1953, Bergoglio met Fr. Carlos B. Duarte Ibarra at the age of (almost) 17. After going to him for confession, he discovered his priestly vocation. Francis’ pontificate is also under St. Joseph’s protection, having been solemnly inaugurated on 19 March 2013.

 

“Let us never forget that authentic power is service, and that the Pope too, when exercising power, must enter ever more fully into that service which has its radiant culmination on the Cross. He must be inspired by the lowly, concrete and faithful service which marked Saint Joseph and, like him, he must open his arms to protect all of God’s people and embrace with tender affection the whole of humanity, especially the poorest, the weakest, the least important, those whom Matthew lists in the final judgment on love: the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick and those in prison. Only those who serve with love are able to protect!” Pope Francis said in his homily on the Solemnity of St. Joseph.

 

On 5 July 2013 the Pope consecrated the whole of the Vatican City State to St. Joseph and St. Michael the Archangel, whom the Governorate had previously chosen as its own patron saint.

The wooden statuette of St. Joseph which is by Francis’ room in St. Martha’s House is about forty  centimeters long and depicts the saint dressed in gold-trimmed dark green and red garments, typical of Hispanic American iconography. Joseph is lying down and asleep, a positions which is symbolic of the Gospel: it is always in his sleep that Jesus’ adoptive father receives messages from heaven about Mary and which name the Child should take and warnings about the danger Herod represents, causing the flight into Egypt. Bergoglio had a similar statue in the room he occupied for eighteen years at the Colegio Máximo of San José in San Miguel where he was rector and where he also lived when he was Provincial Superior of the Society of Jesus. The statuette of the sleeping St. Joseoh which he kept in the Buenos Aires curia is one of the few things the Pope had sent over from Argentina after his election: the head came off during the journey to Italy but Bergoglio saw to it that it was fixed.

“You know,” Francis told one of his collaborators in the first months after his election, “you have to be patient with these carpenters: they tell you they’ll have a piece of furniture finished in a couple of weeks and it ends up taking a month even. But they get the job done and they do it well! You just need to be patient…”

 

Tenderness, silence, concealment, avoiding the spotlight and his vocation to protect: these are some of the qualities Francis appreciates in the saint. This is why although the Pope’s statuette depicts the patron saint sleeping, Francis makes him work a lot, often asking him for a helping hand.