With this expression, Father Donald H. Calloway introduces his book, Consecration to Saint Joseph, inviting us to delve into the mystery and richness of this saint, who throughout the centuries has remained a discreet and silent figure in the history of the Church.
It is important to mention that Father Calloway echoes a profound reflection by Saint Joseph Manyanet, who already sensed the greatness yet to be discovered in this saint: “I believe that the true time of Saint Joseph has not yet arrived; after two thousand years, we are only now beginning to glimpse something of the mystery in which he is immersed.”
In recent times, devotion to Saint Joseph has blossomed with great enthusiasm and a certain devotional freshness, largely due to Pope Francis' proclamation of the "Year of Saint Joseph" in 2020. The importance of this holy year lies not only in his role as guardian of the Redeemer, but also in its relevance to Christian and pastoral life.
Next, we will delve into the life of this saint, and through this spiritual exercise, we will explore his figure from different perspectives: his testimony in Sacred Scripture, his importance in the devotion of the Church, his role in ecclesial and pastoral life, and the way in which we can live his devotion in our daily lives.
Man of Faith: A Silence That Speaks
The figure of Saint Joseph appears primarily in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Matthew tells us that he is a "just man" (Mt 1:19), highlighting his obedience to God's will. In his dreams, in which he receives revelations from the Lord (Mt 1:20-24; 2:12-15; 19-23), Joseph is guided by God and responds with immediate faith. Luke, for his part, mentions him in the context of Jesus' childhood, highlighting his role as foster father and protector of the Holy Family (Lk 2:4-52).
Curiously, it's striking that this figure with such a special mission speaks to us more through the language of his silence than through the echo of his preaching. As Pope Francis writes in Patris corde: "Joseph teaches us that having faith in God also includes believing that He can act even through our fears, our frailties, and our weaknesses."
Saint Joseph: “Link between the Old and New Testaments”
The Church Fathers, though they were familiar with this figure, valued his role in the economy of salvation. Saint Augustine describes him as "the just man who, with his fidelity, served as a link between the Old and New Testaments." On the other hand, Saint John Chrysostom highlights his humility and obedience, stating that "God entrusted him with the most precious thing: his own Son and his Mother."
Origen, a great thinker and theologian of the third century AD, also emphasizes the virginity of Saint Joseph as a model of purity and devotion. Saint Jerome similarly underlines the dignity of Joseph, considering him "the faithful guardian of Mary's virginity and the adoptive father of the Lord."
Testimonies like these from our history allow us to glimpse that devotion to Saint Joseph is not just a recent phenomenon or an apparent cultural fad, but on the contrary has been present in theological practice since the early centuries of Christianity.
Growing devotion to Saint Joseph
Over the years, devotion to Saint Joseph has grown progressively. In the 15th century, Saint Teresa of Avila was a key promoter of his cult, stating: "I do not recall until now having begged him for anything that he has not done." In 1870, Pope Pius IX declared him patron of the universal Church. Pope Saint John Paul II, in his apostolic exhortation Redemptoris Custos (1989), elaborated on his mission as guardian of the Redeemer.
From the above, we can affirm that for us Christians, this devotion to Saint Joseph is not an aspect of popular piety, but a call to imitate his interior life, his dedication and self-giving. In our present time, his witness illuminates the vocation and mission of parents, priests, consecrated persons, and all Christians committed to evangelization.
Following in the footsteps of Saint Joseph
In the figure of Saint Joseph, we find extraordinary qualities and virtues worthy of imitation and practice in our present time. His testimony invites us to walk with humility and trust in God. Below, we present some concrete ways to cultivate this devotion and forge his virtues in the path of our spiritual life:
- Praying with Saint Joseph: Daily prayer helps us grow in trust and commitment. Eucharistic adoration, communion, and consecration to Saint Joseph are especially recommended.
- Living obedience and trust in God: Like St. Joseph, we are called to accept God's plans with faith, even when we don't fully understand them.
- Practicing charity and justice: Saint Joseph was a just man. Acting uprightly in our decisions and in our dealings with others strengthens our Christian life.
- Sanctify work: Saint Joseph, patron saint of workers, teaches us the importance of work done with love and responsibility, offering our daily efforts to God.
- Protect and strengthen the family: Following their example, we can work for unity and faith in our homes, promoting love and mutual respect.
- Turn to Saint Joseph in times of difficulty: He is the patron saint of a happy death and a refuge in times of trial. Let us trust in his intercession in life's difficulties.
The "Time of Saint Joseph," to which Saint Joseph Manyanet referred, is dawning in the Church and in the life of every believer. Let us entrust ourselves to him and learn from his silent faith, his unwavering obedience, and his unconditional love.
Daily act of consecration to Saint Joseph
Saint Joseph, husband of Mary, virginal father of Jesus, and my spiritual father, I consecrate myself entirely to you. I lovingly embrace your fatherhood and take refuge under your sacred paternal mantle. Help me today to pray and be virtuous. Instruct me in the wisdom of the saints, protect me from the deceptions of the enemy, help me not to sin, and if today I should breathe my last, stay by my side and take me to heaven with Jesus and Mary. Amen.
Father Donald Calloway, MIC
Recommended book:
Donald H. Calloway. Consecration to Saint Joseph. Paulinas, 2024.
