The Life of Saint Joseph as Seen by the Mystics

by Paul Thigpen

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.
 

Genres: Catholic, Religion, Mysticism, Christianity

152 pages, Paperback

Published November 22, 2022

About the author

Paul 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.

Reviews

[Christine]

As companion to The Life of Mary as Seen by the Mystics, this book shares many similar sentiments to it, but also provides new perspectives and stories. Highly recommend if you want to grow in love of St. Joseph. The last couple chapters of the Holy Family’s life as Jesus grew up and Joseph’s passing into Eternal Life had me tearing up the whole time and inflamed my heart with love and reverence towards the Holy Family.

“In God’s providence, Joseph had to die before Jesus did, because Joseph could not have endured His crucifixion; he was too gentle, too loving.”

“Love was then the real cause of the death of Joseph.”

Also, it's crazy to think about all the connections within the lives of the Holy Family that God ordained that we will never know about until heaven. The Holy Family meeting the Good Thief when he was a child? Chills.

[sniksnak]

This concise book offers a tender portrayal of St. Joseph and the Holy Family, highlighting his humility, chaste love, silent strength, obedience, and paternal tenderness. Based on private revelations from Catholic mystics, it aligns with Scripture and Church teachings. Born into the royal House of David, Joseph showed early piety, took a vow of virginity, and lived modestly as a carpenter in Nazareth, aiding the poor. Chosen by God to marry Mary, their virginal union exemplified purity and mutual respect. Despite initial troubles upon learning of Mary’s pregnancy, Joseph was guided by an angel. He protected the family during their flight to Bethlehem and in exile, providing for them and teaching Jesus his trade. Joseph died peacefully in the arms of Jesus and Mary, gaining intercessory power in Heaven. His life teaches that holiness shines in hidden fidelity and daily service.

[Mary Elizabeth]

~3.5-4 stars. A wonderful book but a bit repetitive after reading The Life of Mary as to be expected.

[April]

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.

[Melissa]

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!

[Edgar Garcia]

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

[Stan Finger]

This book is so moving and gave me a deeper appreciation of both Joseph and our Blessed Mother. I am humbled and in awe.

I recommend reading this in small bites and reflecting on the passages. Like the Bible and great spiritual works such as The Cloud of Unknowing and Henry Nouwen's The Return of the Prodigal Son, this should be read more than once over the years. We will appreciate it in new ways each time we read it.

[Debra]

Wowser. This was a beautiful read and even though the information came through mystics who we may choose to believe or not to believe, so much of it sounds as one would want to believe. St. Joseph was the perfect choice to accompany the Blessed Mother and the baby Jesus from the beginning until almost the end.
A loving stepfather and a most holy and virtuous man. I highly recommend reading this.

[Christopher]

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.

[Diana Kullman]

I didn't realize that each chapter was a compilation of the five mystics so was a little disappointed. After three chapters, I realized that I didn't need to know which mystic had a particular vision about the various chapter headings. I have books of four of the five mystics anyway to ponder their visions individually. I'm looking forward to reading a similar book about Mary by a different author.

[Anthony]

Unfortunately I was very disappointed in this book, having read a few others about this phenomenonal saint. I really had to remind myself it's more a kind of drama, as they author says, than a history. It was too hard to finish and I realise I learn more and grow in deeper love for St. Joseph when reading speculation rather than plot-based, non-biblical stories.

[Rita Warfel]

St Joseph is an example of true humility.

In a world where men have so few holy examples to follow, it is good to see more information being shared about this exalted Saint and devotion to St Joseph is growing as a result.
This story is inspirational, and I highly recommend it.

[Christopher Hamilton (Henry)]

So, obviously this book is based off tbe writing and visions of the mystics and saints. However, reading this book has brought me closer to Good St. Joseph. I would truly recommend this book. It's got lots of beautiful wording in it. A chapter isn't really that long. I really enjoyed this book.

[Lori]

Amazing book! Great for any time of year, but especially perfect for the month dedicated to St Joseph. Easy read and hard to put down! Paints a picturesque view of St Joseph's life - much more than is provided in the Holy Bible.

[Taylor Adams]

Very insightful and makes me contemplate his life more and more.