by Paul Thigpen (Author)
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 visionaries: Saint Bridget of Sweden; Servant of God Marina de Escobar; Venerable Mary of ﾁgreda; 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 he:
- matures from childhood to manhood in preparation for his unique mission,
- responds with courage and wisdom to the startling revelations he receives in dreams,
- protects and cares for his Family during their journey to Bethehem and their sojourn in Egypt,
- labors daily to provide for his household during the "hidden years" in Nazareth,
- suffers heroically in his final years and dies peacefully in the arms of Jesus and Mary.
Author Biography
Paul Thigpen, Ph.D., is the editor of TAN Books and the best-selling author, co-author or compiler of over forty titles. Among his most popular books are The Burden: A Warning of Things to Come and The Rapture Trap: A Catholic Response to End Times Fever. A convert to the Catholic faith, Paul has served the Church as an award-winning journalist, historian, apologist, catechist, and member of the National Advisory Council of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. His work has been circulated worldwide and translated into twelve languages.