Solemn Feast of St. Joseph (2)

I know.  You're saying "Why all the YouTube videos, Father?"  Right?  But there was a real cache of good articles I came across in the National Catholic Register (one of my "go to" sources), but because of pastoral responsibilities and travel I wasn't able to get them up until now.

The first is an interesting article by Mike Aquilina on how not only does St. Joseph not say a word in the Gospels, but no one else says a word TO him either - except the angels!  Enjoy!

The next is an article on appearances and apparitions over the centuries.  Who knew?  Well, Joseph Pronechen, the author has put it all together for us.

Another article, by Sr. Clare Hunter, is an "Examen for Masculine Virtue"; a great article for men (by a woman no less!) and the women wondering what they should be looking for in a man.

Finally, an article by Joseph O'Brien, of my own Diocese of La Crosse, on "St. Joseph and the Sacrifice of the Mass".

In addition to these articles there are two books to watch out for.  The first is by the afore mentioned Mike Aquilina, with a forward by Dr. Scott Hahn, "St. Joseph and His World".  This book really helps one understand the world in which the Holy Family lived.  We don't have to wonder about how they could have escaped to Egypt, this book helps us understand what an eminently logical plan it was.  Son of David?  What did St. Joseph understand about being a descendant of David?  This book tells us.

Another is a book that is to be released on May 1, the Feast of St. Joseph the Workman, by Fr. Boniface Hicks, O.S.B., "Through the Heart of Joseph".  In speaking with Fr. Boniface, this seems to be a great follow on to Fr. Donald Calloway's "Consecration to St. Joseph".  This book also has a forward by Dr. Scott Hahn.

It is amazing to me that we have had such an explosion of material on St. Joseph over these past few years.  We have come to understand that St. Joseph's intercession will be an essential element in meeting the challenges of this period in human history - the history of salvation.  The material is a real gold mine, but it is only a start.  It is necessary that in having been give the opportunity to "know about" St. Joseph, that we come to "know" St. Joseph: this can only be accomplished by prayer.