The wonders and glories of Saint Joseph

10 religious articles of mine can be found here in manuscript format: Please Click Here - https://mothermary.website/CatholicInspirationsManuscript.pdf

I want to share with you how Wonderful Saint Joseph is:

“Saint Joseph was head of the Holy Family, but not because he was the holiest member of it. In fact he was the least in that respect. ... He was head of the Holy Family because he was the Father of the family. As father of the family, he represented God the Father. He was to Jesus on earth what the Father was and is to the Son in the inner life of the Blessed Trinity. ... But in the case of Saint Joseph, we have a perfect(though finite) reflection of the image of his Heavenly Father ... he(Saint Joseph) is treated as the Real father. For it is he [and Mary simultaneously (Mystical City of God)] who shall give the Child his name, Jesus(“... and thou shalt call his name JESUS.”(Saint Luke 1:31) “...his name was called Jesus...”[by Saint Joseph and His Holy Mother](Saint Luke 2:21) “...and he[Saint Joseph] called his name JESUS.”(Saint Matthew 1:25). It is the role of the father to give the child his name just as Zachary named Saint John the Baptist (Saint Luke 1:63) As husband of Mary, by Jewish law, after their marriage, whatever belonged to the wife belonged also to the husband. Since Jesus was Mary’s son, therefore He was also the son of Joseph. ... God willed to share His own Fatherhood of Jesus with Saint Joseph ... to make God and Saint Joseph “Co-Fathers” of Jesus ... The fact that Saint Joseph did not beget Jesus by carnal relations implies no defect in his fatherhood, any more than Mary’s conception of Jesus without carnal relations implies a defect in her motherhood. Both Mary and Joseph cooperated with God in attaining the motherhood and fatherhood which God desired of them. And is this not true in the procreation of all children?”
(“Saint Joseph, Fatima and Fatherhood” by Msgr. Joseph A. Cirrincione and Thomas A. Nelson)

V. He[Jesus] made him[Saint Joseph] the lord of His household;
R. And the prince over all His possessions.

Saint Joseph is the foster and virginal Father of Jesus Christ, the representative of God the Father to Jesus, the "dispenser of the treasures of His[Jesus'] Sacred Heart", and Co-Father with God the Father of Jesus. Saint Joseph Blessed the world with the Child Jesus, both tracing the Sign of the Cross with their hands, at Fatima on October 13, 1917. He is the Holy Patron of the Universal Church, acts on behalf of God the Father, and is treated as the Real Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Saint Joseph is the “Prudent Guardian of the Holy Family”, “Protector of God’s Holy Church”, "Mirror of Patience", “Model of Righteousness”, “Solace of the Afflicted”, “Protector of Children”, “Hope of the Sick”, ”Consolation of the Poor”, “Rescuer of Sinners”, “Model of Christian Workmen”, “Patron of Priests and seminarians”, “Model of Single Men and Married Men”, “Patron of a Happy Death”, “Safeguard of Families”, “Guardian of Virgins” and those who want to be and are pure in mind and heart.

Joseph in the Old Testament is a Type of Saint Joseph in the New Testament. “...And he said to them: Go to Joseph...” “Ite Ad Joseph” (Genesis 41:55) The brothers of Joseph in the Old Testament came to him during the seven years of famine for bread. In the mystical sense, we are in a spiritual famine, and so we go to Saint Joseph for grace, represented by the bread in the Old Testament. “And Joseph rising up from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him...” (Saint Matthew 1:24) Saint Joseph always obeyed God’s commands so perfectly.
“Whereupon Joseph her husband, being a Just man...” (Saint Matthew 1:19) Saint Joseph was a most just man... 1:6. “And Jesse begot David the king ... And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.” (Saint Matthew 1:6,16) Saint Joseph was of the Holy House of David.“

...Behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.” (Saint Luke 2:48) Here The Blessed Mother refers to Saint Joseph as the Real father of Jesus.“...Jesus the son of Joseph of Nazareth.” (Saint John 1:45)“And they said: Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know?...”(Saint John 6:42)

“...according to [Saint] Augustine (De Cons.Evang. ii), Joseph is called the father of Christ just as "he is called the husband of Mary, without fleshly mingling, by the mere bond of marriage: being thereby united to Him much more closely than if he were adopted from another family. Consequently that Christ was not begotten of Joseph by fleshly union is no reason why Joseph should not be called His father; since he would be the father even of an adopted son not born of his wife." (Summa, Third Part, Question 28, Article 1)

We are the adoptive children of God the Father Who is Our Father. “Who hath predestinated us unto the adoption of children through Jesus Christ unto himself...” (Ephesians 1:5) "...you have received the spirit of adoption of sons, whereby we cry: Abba (Father)." (Romans 8:15)“And he[Jesus] went down with them and came to Nazareth and was subject to them[Joseph and Mary]...” (Saint Luke 2:51)

Our Lord Jesus Christ gave more glory to His Heavenly Father in the many years of humble subjection to his earthly father Saint Joseph and the Blessed Mother than in His three years of ministry of teaching and the performing of all His miracles – (so that men would believe that He is the Messiah and to establish His Holy Church).

Holy and Blessed Saint Joseph has 3 simultaneous relationships with our Lord Jesus Christ:

1) Brother to brother, sharing a common Mother in the supernatural order, that Mother being the Blessed Virgin Mary who being the Mother of Jesus and of all mankind, is at the same time the supernatural Mother of Saint Joseph.

2) Son to father, Saint Joseph being treated as the Real father of Jesus in the Gospels. Saint Joseph is not only the foster and virginal father of Jesus but the spiritual father of us all, in the same manner that Saint Paul called those he taught and instructed his spiritual children. (I Cor. 4:15) Since we are brothers and sisters in Christ, our relationship to Saint Joseph is the exact same as Christ’s relationship to Saint Joseph, namely that Saint Joseph is our spiritual, virginal and foster father - sharing and partaking with God the Father. Saint Joseph who represented God the Father to Jesus on earth [Our Lord Jesus possessing both a human nature and a Divine Nature] – Saint Joseph is therefore co-father with God the Father of us all...

3) Father to son, Jesus being the source of the sanctifying grace that gave life to Saint Joseph and to us all; Jesus being the source of our supernatural life, of sanctifying grace. Jesus is our spiritual Father in grace. Jesus who gives life to His spiritual children is therefore also Father of us all. “And this is the testimony that God hath given to us eternal life. And this Life is in his Son.” (1 John 5:11)

Holy and Blessed Saint Joseph also has 3 simultaneous relationships with the Blessed Virgin Mary:

1) brother and sister both having God the Father as their Father who created them both

2) son to Mother, Mary being the supernatural Mother of Saint Joseph

3) spouse to spouse, both possessing a Holy Marriage, that is the Holiest marriage that was, that is, and that ever will be

Saint Joseph also has multiple relationships with each of the Divine Persons of the Most Holy Trinity:

1) He is co-father with God the Father of Jesus at the same time being His beloved creature

2) He is the foster and virginal father of God the Son, Jesus Christ, at the same time being Christ’s spiritual son and also Christ’s brother

3) And God the Holy Ghost shares His espousal to the Blessed Virgin Mary with Saint Joseph “Still, Joseph surpasses all the other saints in dignity and sanctity ... Saint Thomas Aquinas, as well as of all the Fathers, that those whom God elects and designs for some great work, He also prepares and disposes so as to fit them for its performance; and the Angelic Doctor adds that God gives to each grace proportioned to the office which he is chosen to fill (Summa, p. iii. q. xxvii. a.4) ... If then, Joseph was elected to such an office, which, after the divine maternity, has None to equal it in Heaven or on earth, he must have received of God for its discharge a Fullness of corresponding Grace, superior to that vouchsafed to any other saint...” (“The Life and Glories of Saint Joseph” by Edward Healy Thompson, M.A.)

“Saint Joseph included in the order of the Hypostatic Union: Diverse orders in the hierarchy of grace. The highest that of the Hypostatic Union. Joseph has place in this order. The doctrine no mere private opinion. Conclusions of theologians. Joseph’s exalted honour. His pre-eminence over all Saints. His superiority to the Angels. Head of the Holy Family. Representative of the Eternal Father. His graces commensurate with his dignity. Our interest therein...” (The Life and Glories of Saint Joseph” by Edward Healy Thompson)

It was appropriately necessary that Our Lord would not have become Incarnate and descended from Heaven to earth to a Fatherless family. The mystics tell us that the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph both made perpetual vows of chastity when they were very young, and it was God's will for them to only raise and care for the Infant Jesus.

“Though only three and a half years old... Mary thanked Him[God] with all her heart and then asked to be allowed to take in His presence the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience... The Lord answered: “My chosen one... The vow of chastity I permit and wish thee to make. And from this moment I want thee to renounce earthly riches.” (The Life of Mary as seen by the Mystics, Ven. Anne Catherine Emmerich(1774-1824), Ven. Mary of Agreda(1602-1665), St. Bridget of Sweden(1307-1373), and St. Elizabeth of Schoenau(1129-1164))

“The most chaste spouse Joseph, full of interior joy at the words of his heavenly Spouse, answered Her[Mary]: “My Mistress, in making known to me thy chaste and welcome sentiments, thou hast penetrated and dilated my heart... and I desire Thee to know, Lady, that at the age of twelve years I also made a promise to serve the Most High in perpetual chastity.” (City of God, Volume 1, The Conception, Chapter XXII, ‘The Espousal of Most Holy Mary with the Most Chaste Saint Joseph’, of Venerable Mary of Agreda)

“The Saint’s(Joseph’s) marvelous holiness began when he was sanctified in the womb of his mother seven months after his conception. At his birth he was a beautiful baby with a perfectly formed body, and he caused an extraordinary delight to his parents and relatives.” (The Life of Mary as seen by the Mystics, Ven.Anne Catherine Emmerich(1774-1824), Ven. Mary of Agreda(1602-1665), St. Bridget of Sweden(1307-1373), and St. Elizabeth of Schoenau(1129-1164))

“There can be no doubt that this great Saint[Joseph] was ... [perpetually chaste]. Cardinal Saint Peter Damian affirms it so positively that he seems to make it an article of faith. ... Such is the belief of the great chancellor Gerson, of Saint Bernardine of Siena, of Suarez, and several others.[including Saint Thomas Aquinas in the Summa]” ...before being espoused to Joseph, although she[Mary] desired to do so, yet yielding her own will to God's judgment. Afterwards, however, having taken a husband, according as the custom of the time required, Together with him[Joseph] she took a vow of virginity.“(Summa, Third Part, Question 28, Article 4) “Saint Bernardine of Siena ... concludes with saying that, as this Holy Family -that is,Christ ... [His Most Holy Mother] and Joseph-had been united in a laborious life and in loving grace while on earth, so also ... reign together in Heaven in loving glory, according to that Apostolic rule “As you are partakers of the sufferings, so shall you be also of the consolation”. (2 Cor. I. 7.) Gerson, after saying that words fail him worthily to extol that admirable Trinity, -Jesus, Mary, Joseph,-adds that, after Mary, Joseph is nearest to Jesus in Heaven, even as, after her he was nearest on earth. P. Giovanni Osorio will not hear of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph being divided in Heaven, or of any one being nearer to Mary in glory than her most sweet spouse, nor nearer to Jesus, after Mary, than His reputed father, since on earth there were none so closely united as Jesus, Mary, and Joseph...” (The Life and Glories of Saint Joseph” by Edward Healy Thompson, M.A.)

Again Joseph in the Old Testament is a Type, a prefigurement, of Saint Joseph.“Of old it was said to the needy and suffering people in the kingdom of Egypt: ‘Go to Joseph, and do all that he shall say to you.’(Gen. 41:55)” The same is now said by the Sovereign Pontiff to all needy and suffering people in the kingdom of the Church: Go to Joseph…” What was truly said of the first Joseph, as to his future, and as to his goodness, his chastity, his patience, his wisdom, his influence with the king(symbolizing God), his power over the people, and his love for his brethren, is verified much more perfectly, even to this day, in the second Joseph[Saint Joseph].”-Herbert Cardinal Vaughan, Archbishop of Westminster

The Holy Espousal of Mary and Joseph“ He[Saint Joseph] was at this time thirty-three(33) years old, a handsome, modest and serious man, with pleasing, honest features. It was on Mary’s fourteenth birthday that the young men gathered in the temple... [seeking to marry her] ... When Joseph, the last in line, was about to deposit his branch, all of a sudden it blossomed into a white lily-like flower, and at the same time a dove of the purest and most dazzling white was seen descending and rest on his[Saint Joseph’s] head for a moment, during which God said in his heart: ‘Joseph, My servant, Mary shall be thy spouse. Receive her with all care and respect, for she is pleasing in My sight.’”(The Life of Mary as seen by the Mystics, Ven. Anne Catherine Emmerich(1774-1824), Ven. Mary of Agreda(1602-1665), St. Bridget of Sweden(1307-1373), and St. Elizabeth of Schoenau(1129-1164))The Revelations of Saint Bridget “But when I[Mary] had consented to the annunciation of God, Joseph seeing my womb increase by the operation of the Holy Ghost, feared vehemently: Not suspecting anything amiss[wrong] in me, but remembering the sayings of the prophets, foretelling that the Son of God should be born of a virgin, Deeming himself unworthy to serve such a mother, until the angel in a dream ordered him not to fear, but to minister unto me in charity.”

The Death of Saint Joseph

“...the Lord now ordained that he[Saint Joseph]was to spend his last eight years of life in illness and suffering, in order to increase his sanctity through the practice of patience and resignation ... During his last years Saint Joseph suffered a series of fevers, violent headaches and a very painful rheumatism [inflammations, great pain in the muscles, joints and muscular tissue] which made him weak and helpless. ... Jesus then lovingly blessed Saint Joseph and said: “My Father, rest in peace and in the grace of My Eternal Father...At these words, in the arms of Jesus, with Mary kneeling and weeping at his feet, in a room brightly lighted by hosts of angels, Saint Joseph died a Happy and peaceful death.” (The Life of Mary as seen by the Mystics, Ven.Anne Catherine Emmerich(1774-1824), Ven. Mary of Agreda(1602-1665), St. Bridget of Sweden(1307-1373), and St. Elizabeth of Schoenau(1129-1164))

Saint Joseph is the Patron of a Happy Death. “Our Savior answered: "My Mother, thy request is pleasing to me, and the merits of Joseph are acceptable in my eyes. I will now assist him and will assign him a place among the princes of my people (Book of Psalms 115,15), So High that he will be the admiration of the Angels and will cause them and all men to break forth in highest praise. With none of the human born shall I do as with thy spouse[Saint Joseph]." (The Mystical City of God” by Venerable Mary of Agreda)

The Vision of Saint Gertrude“I saw Heaven opened and Saint Joseph sitting upon a Magnificent Throne. ... they [the Saints]rejoiced with him[Saint Joseph] on account of his Exalted Dignity.”

Once, two Franciscan friars were ship wrecked during an ocean voyage. By clinging to a plank,they kept their heads above water for three days, but the waves tossed and buffeted them violently. Both had always been devoted to St. Joseph, so they prayed to him earnestly. After a while, their confidence was rewarded. The storm abated; the sky became clear and the sea calm. Suddenly they saw a radiant being. He greeted them kindly and guided them safely to shore. When they reached land, the two religious cast themselves at the feet of their rescuer to thank him. The heavenly visitor told them: "I am Joseph; if you wish to do something pleasing to me, never let a day pass without saying the Our Father and the Hail Mary seven times in honor of the seven joys that Consoled me during the days I spent on earth in the company of Jesus and Mary." After these words she vanished.

The Seven Sorrows and Seven Joys of Saint Joseph

1) * (Sorrow) Saint Joseph’s fear and Deeming himself unworthy. “Whereupon Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing publicly to expose her[Mary], was minded to put her away privately.“ (Saint Matthew 1:19).

* (Joy) The message of the Angel. “But while he thought on these things, behold the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep, saying: Joseph, son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, for that which is conceived in her, is of the Holy Ghost.” (Saint Matthew 1:20).

2) * (Sorrow) The poverty of Jesus' birth.“...and laid him in a manger: because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Saint Luke 2:7).

* (Joy) The birth of the Saviour. “And she brought forth her first born son and wrapped him up in swaddling clothes...” (Saint Luke2:7). “Glory to God in the highest: and on earth peace to men of good will.” (Saint Luke2:14).

3) * (Sorrow) The Circumcision. “And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child...” (Saint Luke 2:21)

(Joy) The Holy Name of Jesus. “...and he[Saint Joseph] called his name Jesus.” (Saint Matthew 1:25).

4) * (Sorrow) The prophecy of Simeon. “And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall ... of many in Israel and for a sign which shall be contradicted. And thy own soul a sword shall pierce..." (Saint Luke 2:34-35).

* (Joy) The effects of the Redemption. “And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set ... for the resurrection of many in Israel...” (Saint Luke2:34).

5) * (Sorrow) The flight into Egypt.“Who[Joseph] arose, and took the child and his mother by night, and retired into Egypt: and he was there until the death of Herod” (Saint Matthew 2:14).

* (Joy) The overthrow of the idols of Egypt.“The burden of Egypt. Behold the Lord will ascend upon a swift cloud, and will enter into Egypt, and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst thereof.” (Prophecy of Isaias19:1).

6) * (Sorrow) The return from Egypt. “But hearing that Herod Archelaus reigned in Judea in the room of Herod his father, he[Joseph] was afraid to go thither: and being warned in sleep retired into the quarters of Galilee.”(Saint Matthew 2:22).

* (Joy) Life with Jesus and Mary at Nazareth. “And after they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they[Jesus, Mary, and Joseph] returned into Galilee, to their city Nazareth.” (Saint Luke2:39) “And he[Jesus] went down with them[Mary and Joseph] and came to Nazareth and was subject to them. ...” (Saint Luke 2:51).

7) * (Sorrow) The loss of the Child Jesus. “And not finding him[Jesus], they[Mary and Joseph]returned into Jerusalem, seeking him.“ (Saint Luke 2:45).

* (Joy) The finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple. “And it came to pass, that, after three days, they[Mary and Joseph] Found him[Jesus] in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them and asking them questions.“ (Saint Luke 2:46). March 19 is the Feast of Saint Joseph and the Day of Saint Joseph is Wednesday. The color of Saint Joseph is green.

The Church calls Saint Joseph the “Terror of demons” and the “Conqueror of Hell”.

Words of Saint Thomas Aquinas: "Some Saints are privileged to extend to us their patronage with particular efficacy in certain needs, but not in others; but our holy patron Saint Joseph has the power to assist us in all cases, in every necessity, in every undertaking."

St. Teresa tells us that St. Joseph frequently obtained for her far greater favors than those for which she had asked.

Words of Our Lady to Ven. Mary of Agreda: "In all trials seek his intercession, because the Heavenly Father will grant whatever my spouse asks.” - “On the Day of Judgment, the condemned will weep bitterly for not having realized how powerful and efficacious a means of salvation they might have had in the intercession of Saint Joseph, and for not having done their utmost to gain the friendship of the Eternal Judge.”

* I'm convinced and am fairly certain that I would be in hell already if it were not for the tender and powerful intercession of Saint Joseph...

Ancient Prayer to Saint Joseph:

Oh, Saint Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in thee all my interest and desires. Oh, St. Joseph, do assist me by thy powerful intercession, and obtain for me from thy divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So that, having engaged here below thy heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most Loving of Fathers. Oh, Saint Joseph, I never weary contemplating thee, and Jesus asleep in thy arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near thy heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. Saint Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for me. [in spite of my miserable wretched sinfulness. Amen.

This Prayer - ("Oh, Saint Joseph, whose protection is so great...") - was found in the 5oth year of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In 1505 It was sent from the Pope to Emperor Charles when he was going into battle. Whoever shall read this prayer or hear it or keep it about themselves shall never die a sudden death or be drowned, nor shall poison take effect on them --- neither shall they fall into the hands of the enemy or be burned in any fire or be overpowered in battle. Say for nine mornings for anything you desire - in accordance to God's Holy Will. It has never been known to fail, provided that the request is for one's spiritual benefit or for those whom we are praying for.

Prayer to St. Joseph by Pope St. Pius X

Glorious St. Joseph, model of all who are devoted to labor, obtain for me the grace to work in the spirit of penance in expiation of my many sins; to work conscientiously by placing love of duty above my inclinations; to gratefully and joyously deem it an honor to employ and to develop by labor the gifts I have received from God, to work methodically, peacefully, and in moderation and patience, without ever shrinking from it through weariness or difficulty to work; above all, with purity of intention and unselfishness, having unceasingly before my eyes death and the account I have to render of time lost, talents unused, good not done, and vain complacency in success, so harmful to the work of God. All for Jesus, all for Mary, all to imitate thee, O patriarch St. Joseph! This shall be my motto for life and eternity. Amen.

To the Most Holy and Indissoluble Hearts of Jesus and Mary through Saint Joseph...