The Life Of St. Joseph By Maria Baij

[FFI Griswold]

Ave Maria!

Happy Solemnity of St. Joseph the Worker!

In addition to your typical discernment reading list, I thought it providential to mention a great work that will inspire you to have a devotion to St. Joseph if you don't already have one, for he can assist you with his most powerful prayers in your discernment, and by his example, establish or increase your devotion to Our Lady as well.

It is entitled [url="http://books.google.com/books/about/The_Life_of_Saint_Joseph.html?id=vMf9LPgE9BMC"]The Life of St. Joseph by Sr. Maria Cecilia Baij, OSB[/URL]. Some reviews on [url="http://www.amazon.com/Joseph-manifested-Christ-Maraia-Cecilia/dp/1890137014"]amazon[/URL].

It is private revelation, so not to be taken as fact, but nevertheless can be very inspiring.

At the end is a very good quote by Blessed John Henry Newman containing insights I had never read or heard of before,
 

He was the true and worthy Spouse of Mary supplying in a visible manner the place of Mary's Invisible Spouse, the Holy Spirit. He was a virgin, and his virginity was the faithful mirror of the virginity of Mary. He was the Cherub, placed to guard the new terrestrial Paradise from the intrusion of every foe.

He was the title of Father of the Son of God, because he was the Spouse of Mary, ever virgin. He was our Lord is father, because Jesus yielded to him the obedience of a son. He was our Lord's father, because to him were entrusted, and by him were faithfully fulfilled, the duties of a father, in protecting Him, giving Him a home, sustaining and rearing Him, and providing Him with a trade.

He is Holy Joseph, because according to the opinion of a great number of doctors, he as well as St. John the Baptist, was sanctified even before he was born. He is Holy Joseph, because his office, of being spouse and protector of Mary, specially demanded sanctity. He is Holy Joseph, because no other saint but he lived in such and so long intimacy and familiarity with the source of all holiness, Jesus, God incarnate, and Mary, the holiest of creatures.

Blessed be the name of Joseph henceforth and forever. Amen.

Ave Maria!

In the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary,

Friar John Paul

 

 

[Spem in alium]

Many thanks for posting this. I have a special connection with St Joseph and love reading about him. I will see if I can get the book! :)