Studying our Patron - St. Joseph

By Bill Harkins, Mobile, Ala., - St. Ignatius

I picked up a copy of a great book about St. Joseph: True Devotion to St. Joseph and the Church, by Father Dominic De Domenico, OP.

The front inside cover of this book describes its purpose in a nutshell, it provides “The doctrinal basis and practice of Total Consecration through St. Joseph and the Church.”
This book is not a light read.  At over 300 pages, it is a theological study of our Patron Saint, in detail, showing why he is held in such high esteem.  The first half of the book provides the background of St. Joseph and his relationship to Jesus, Mary, the Church and all things Catholic.  The second half presents background and guidance on actual devotion to St. Joseph, the Holy Family and the Church.

Let’s face it, Saint Joseph was challenged with an awesome task!  He was the protector of the Messiah and the Mother of God in a time and place that was often hostile to them and their people.  Remember Herod’s actions when he heard of Christ’s birth?  Joseph’s saying “yes” to an angel in a dream when he is advised to move his family to Egypt is an echo of his blessed wife’s “yes” to the angel nine months or so earlier when asked if she would agree to bear the Child of God.  Joseph continued to provide for the comfort and care of his special family for the rest of his life.  He is ready to assist us if we ask.  This simple man knows the pain involved in being the breadwinner for his loved ones when times are tough.  

The first chapter of the book digs into the marriage of Joseph and Mary.  Father Domenico presents a lesson on Jewish marriage 2,000 years ago.  He describes how by Jewish law, they were actually already married when Mary was visited by the Angel Gabriel.  Joseph’s decision to bring his bride into his home, though she was pregnant, took great faith.  This chapter also shows how this holy marriage was a necessary part of the Father’s plan.  It allowed His Son, our Savior, to be born into a humble, fully human life.  Through this marriage, Jesus was able to grow up with a family, not having to live with the stigma of a single parent family (especially harsh in those times).

As a married, working man, Joseph is a great model for us.  We should not hesitate to turn to him, asking him and our Blessed Mother to intercede for us and our families.  Surely, this Saint, who protected the most precious two lives that ever existed on this earth, can help protect us and our loved ones!

Joseph, Terror of Demons, Pray for us!