What do you think?
Rate this book
The Life of Saint Joseph as Seen by the Mystics
Saint Joseph stands close to Jesus and Mary at the heart of the gospel story. Yet he remains largely in the background, silent and steady. Not surprisingly, Christians throughout the ages have pondered deeply this mystery that is Joseph.
Many have speculated about the unknown details of his life, and several mystics were granted visions that portrayed the hidden days—both the ordinary and the extraordinary—of Our Lord’s appointed guardian vividly and profoundly. The Life of Saint Joseph as Seen by the Mystics weaves together into a single narrative numerous episodes from five such Saint Bridget of Sweden; Servant of God Marina de Escobar; Venerable Mary of Ágreda; Venerable Maria Cecilia Baij; and Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich.
The Church insists that such private revelations cannot be viewed as another Gospel, nor even as accurate historical accounts or theological treatises. Instead, they provide a kind of sacred drama, full of spiritual insight and devotional power. In this fascinating story—which reads more like a novel than a history book—you’ll journey alongside Saint Joseph as This work serves as a companion to The Life of Mary as Seen by the Mystics, compiled by Raphael Brown (TAN Books, 1991). Together, the two books offer a compelling vision of the Holy Family that can deepen and transform your devotion to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
Many have speculated about the unknown details of his life, and several mystics were granted visions that portrayed the hidden days—both the ordinary and the extraordinary—of Our Lord’s appointed guardian vividly and profoundly. The Life of Saint Joseph as Seen by the Mystics weaves together into a single narrative numerous episodes from five such Saint Bridget of Sweden; Servant of God Marina de Escobar; Venerable Mary of Ágreda; Venerable Maria Cecilia Baij; and Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich.
The Church insists that such private revelations cannot be viewed as another Gospel, nor even as accurate historical accounts or theological treatises. Instead, they provide a kind of sacred drama, full of spiritual insight and devotional power. In this fascinating story—which reads more like a novel than a history book—you’ll journey alongside Saint Joseph as This work serves as a companion to The Life of Mary as Seen by the Mystics, compiled by Raphael Brown (TAN Books, 1991). Together, the two books offer a compelling vision of the Holy Family that can deepen and transform your devotion to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
152 pages, Paperback
Published November 22, 2022
2 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Paul Thigpen
64 books72 followersPaul Thigpen, Ph.D., is the editor of TAN Books. An award-winning journalist and best-selling author, he has published forty-two books. His work has been translated into twelve languages and circulated worldwide.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 26, 2023
It has been my goal to learn more about Saint Joseph. As the foster father of Jesus, we know what a wonderful husband as father he was, what a great source of inspiration the Holy Family with Joseph as the head of that family is.
This book, which compiles various things seen by mystics is a beautiful insight into the man himself. From his early years, his betrothal to Mary, and his protection of the infant Jesus, Joseph is a beautiful representation of what surrender to God and His plan looks like.
What I liked most about this book is the pictures the revelations painted for me. I could see it all unfolding and felt like I was watching it happen. With so little about St. Joseph in the Bible this was such a gift.
This book has helped me to see this Saint as a true intercessor for me as I seek to know and follow his son, Jesus. This would be a great read anytime of the year, but especially wonderful for Advent as we journey with the Holy Family.
Thank you to TAN books for the copy of this book. All views are my honest opinion.
This book, which compiles various things seen by mystics is a beautiful insight into the man himself. From his early years, his betrothal to Mary, and his protection of the infant Jesus, Joseph is a beautiful representation of what surrender to God and His plan looks like.
What I liked most about this book is the pictures the revelations painted for me. I could see it all unfolding and felt like I was watching it happen. With so little about St. Joseph in the Bible this was such a gift.
This book has helped me to see this Saint as a true intercessor for me as I seek to know and follow his son, Jesus. This would be a great read anytime of the year, but especially wonderful for Advent as we journey with the Holy Family.
Thank you to TAN books for the copy of this book. All views are my honest opinion.
February 11, 2023
Just finished the Life of Saint Joseph as seen by the Mystics; a great companion for Raphael Brown’s the Life of Mary as Seen by the Mystics. I loved reading both of these books, because it helped me visualize the Holy Family when in prayer. It made me imagine the things they could’ve gone through or how they lived in their day-to-day lives, and it helped me ponder the holiness and humility of Saint Joseph and Mother Mary. I think that as humans on this side of death we don’t fully know, understand or grasp the purity, humility, love and holiness of our Mother Mary and Saint Joseph; not until we meet them in Heaven. These books help ponder on who they are and how they were while on their time on Earth.
Grab your copy at TAN Books here https://bit.ly/3y1Ktqa
Grab your copy at TAN Books here https://bit.ly/3y1Ktqa
August 22, 2025
Parts of this book were very informative and inspirational and other parts of the book felt more like “legend.” I wish the author would have included in-text citations so the reader knew which parts of the book were from which mystics. I think this would have helped me to put context to the different chapters and help me to better understand why some content was very enriching while other content felt like folklore. There is a list of sources included at the end of the book… but it’s general.
St Joseph is often referred to as the “silent” Saint because not much is known of his life other than what is written in the gospels and even in the gospels… no spoken words of St. Joseph are recorded. Once Jesus started his public life St. Joseph had already passed away. St. Joseph was chosen to be the foster father of Our Lord so he clearly has a special place of honor in the eyes of God and should be held in high esteem by us. St. Joseph pray for us!
St Joseph is often referred to as the “silent” Saint because not much is known of his life other than what is written in the gospels and even in the gospels… no spoken words of St. Joseph are recorded. Once Jesus started his public life St. Joseph had already passed away. St. Joseph was chosen to be the foster father of Our Lord so he clearly has a special place of honor in the eyes of God and should be held in high esteem by us. St. Joseph pray for us!
June 2, 2023
A wonderful distillation of Catholic mysticism regarding the quietest member of the Holy Family, and a saint of who much is said, but little is known. Paul Thigpen ties together some of the most compelling visionary narratives of five prominent mystics covering the 14th through the 19th centuries. We gain a full understanding of Joseph's character, integrity, and humanity. This compilation also provides insights into Christian thought and worldview, and its remarkable integrity over the history of the Church.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews