The Mystery of Joseph [Paperback]

Marie-Dominique Philippe (Author), Benedict Groeschel (Foreword)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

     Although the greatest of saints, after Mary, St. Joseph is perhaps the least well understood. What Scripture teaches is compelling, but mysterious: he moves quietly and thoughtfully through its pages, almost unobserved in his humility and silence.
     And yet Pope Paul VI has said: “If we look carefully into this life that was apparently so unremarkable, we shall find that it was greater and more adventurous, more full of exciting events, than we are accustomed to assume in our hasty perusal of the Gospel.”
     In this illuminating book, Fr. Philippe leads you deep into the beautiful mystery of St. Joseph — revealing the greatness of the apparently unremarkable man who was the guardian of Jesus and Mary, and who is now the Guardian of the Church, “overflowing with immeasurable wisdom and power.”
     Weaving together the many different strands of the Church’s ever-deepening understanding of St. Joseph, along with his own profound insights, here is a warm and moving portrait of the humble, heroic carpenter of Bethlehem — a great man who became, by God’s grace, a great saint. After reading this book, you will never see St. Joseph (and perhaps yourself) in quite the same way again.

“Wonderful... Profound. Fr. Philippe will teach you much about Saint Joseph and much about your faith. When you’re all finished you will be quite surprised to see how your vision of this great saint may have changed. Even if you’ve been devoted to Saint Joseph for many years, I feel safe in saying that in The Mystery of Joseph you will learn a great deal about Jesus’ Foster Father’s true and undying importance.”
– Fr. Benedict Groeschel, writing in the Foreword

“This is an amazing book on a crucial (but neglected) topic, written by one of the greatest Catholic theologians of recent times. Profound and deep, clear and practical, grounded in Scripture and illumined by the brilliance of St. Thomas Aquinas – I know of no other book like it.”
– Scott Hahn

“In this beautiful book one of the great men of the Church of recent times helps us to contemplate the face of St. Joseph in all its chivalrous nobility.”
– Fr. John Saward, author Cradle of Redeeming Love

“In recent times, St. Joseph seems to have fallen out of favor in the conscious minds of believers. These deep meditations are a wonderful antidote for that. I highly recommend The Mystery of Joseph.”
– Archbishop Myers

“If St Joseph has a role in the Incarnation and its consequences – and he does – then he is an essential figure within our religion. The silence of St. Joseph in the New Testament can lead us to neglect him or see his role as minor. Fr. Philippe’s book brings out the significance of the events of Joseph’s life, and shows us his hidden greatness.”
– Cardinal George Pell

“In these gentle meditations, Fr. Philippe draws out of the Gospels a mystical theology of who St. Joseph is, and what he represents.”
– Aidan Nichols, OP

“I am astonished at the great favors which God has bestowed on me through this blessed saint. To other saints the Lord seems to have given power to help us in some of our necessities but of this glorious saint my experience is that he helps us in them all. I ask for the love of God that he who does not believe me make the trial for himself.”
– St. Teresa of Ávila, Autobiography

About the Author

     Marie-Dominique Philippe (1912-2006) was a Dominican philosopher and theologian. He was ordained in 1936, and in 1945 was sent as a professor to the (Pontifical, Dominican) University of Fribourg (Switzerland), where he taught until 1982.
     Alongside his teaching, Fr. Philippe gave lectures in philosophy and theology in very different environments — for family associations, business leaders, physicians, Christian trade unions, and artists. He wrote many books of philosophy and spiritual theology which cover a wide field of study and interest: reflections on mathematics and medicine, the philosophy of art, metaphysical studies, works on the family, as well as notable books on the Gospel of John, and the mystery of Christ and the Virgin Mary.
     Although he remained a Dominican, he founded the Community of St. John in 1975, a vibrant new religious community which has been growing throughout the world.
     Archbishop Myers of Newark recently said of Fr. Philippe: “From to time to time in life one encounters persons with an exceptional, even Godly presence. This latter is characterized by a sense of the Presence of God, by love for the Church, by peace, joy, humility and caring. To be with Fr. Philippe was to have a clear experience of all of these qualities brought together in his unique person. Although it is not ours to judge, the sense of meeting a saint was difficult to avoid.”

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Zaccheus Press (November 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0972598138
• ISBN-13: 978-0972598132
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: No customer reviews yet. Be the first.
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #111,047 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)