Can anyone point me to some good resources (literary, preferably,) on Saint Joseph? Except for the Holy Bible, of course, since that should be the first resource one would think of.
Father Donald Calloway, MIC, has written a boook called Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father. While it’s primary focus is to prepare one for the total consecration and ways of praying to Saint Joseph, each ‘day’ does talk about a different aspect of Joseph as well; the book is structured after the Litany to Saint Joseph, so it explains why he is given the various titles in the litany.
If you’re okay with apocryphal texts, there is a text called The History of Saint Joseph the Carpetner, which purports to tell the biography and death of Saint Joseph. The text itself is probably from the fifth century, but it incorporates material from an earlier second century gospel.
(You’ll notice that both of the texts that I just recommended will contradict each other on various points, including Joseph’s age or whether he was a perpetual virgin like Mary or not; the Church has not made an authoritative statement on either of those aspects of Joseph’s life yet, and there are traditions defending either position on both issues, so you’re free to believe whichever and free to contemplate whichever is most helpful to you at a given moment)
I know Fr. Calloway’s opinions on Saint Joseph are deeply influenced on the Blessed Fulton Sheen’s; you may want to look into what he has to say as well.
Anton Raphael Mengs (Aussig, Bohemia 1728 - 1779 Rome), The Dream of Saint Joseph, c.1773 - 1774, oil on oak, 114 x 86 cm. Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna
O St. Joseph whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the Throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your Heavenly power I may offer my Thanksgiving and Homage to the Most Loving of Fathers. O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press him to my name and kiss His fine Head for me, and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for us. Amen.
