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Detailed Description A Retreat in a Book Joseph. Every Christian knows the name. We know who he was, but what do we really know about him? For most of us, the answer is, “Not much.” Now, in these highly intimate, insightful, easy-to-read meditations, the late, noted Scripture scholar Fr. Richard Gilsdorf investigates the New Testament’s most mysterious figure. In doing so, he opens up for us the Church’s greatest male saint in new and exciting ways, drawing believers ever deeper into the Gospels and thus the person of Jesus Christ. Reading this warm, contemplative book is like going on retreat, making it perfect for personal devotions, study groups, or adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.
This new book tells the story of St. Joseph in a way that makes it seem fresh and thrilling and allows you to walk alongside him through the events that brought us salvation. If you have evver felt that the Christian story seems remote or bleak, this book offers you a change of perspective. Read it and relish it. Joanna Bogle EWTN personality and author
This book, grounded in history and Tradition, brings St. Joseph into sharp focus. We see him as he is, and with Fr. Gilsdorf's good guidance, we can follow where he has gone before us. Mike Aquilina EWTN host and author of The Fathers of the Church
For those who already know and love St. Joseph, this book will be a delight; for those who do not, this book will be a welcome discovery, Drawing upon the Fathers, and other saints and scholars, Fr. Gilsdorf has brought to light the remarkable life of the greatest husband and father who ever lived. In an age when men need a model of masculine fidelity, St. Joseph proves to be an inspiring example. Fr. "Rocky" Francis Joseph Hoffman, JCD
Senior Director of Mission, Programming, and Development, Relevant Radio
Features
4 1/8" x 6 1/4" Paperback 160 pages 978-0-692003-00-8
About the Author During the six years I served as bishop of Green Bay, I came to know Fr. Richard Gilsdorf as a holy priest, a Scripture scholar, teacher, and pastor, as well as a friend and confident whose opinion and insights I valued. He was faithful and loyal to the teachings of the Church and had a zeal for communicating the faith to others. This collection of his writings will both inspire and challenge any reader. He stretched my thinking and enlarged my heart; I trust he will do the same for you. —ADAM CARDINAL MAIDA
Cardinal Archbishop of Detroit
Fr. Richard Gilsdorf served as a priest for the Diocese of Green Bay from 1956-2005. He held post-graduate degrees in theology and languages from Columbia University and the Sorbonne, and earned his PhD in scripture studies from St. Louis University. He also taught seminary courses at Our Lady of Peace Pontifical Catechetical Institute in Beaverton, OR. His articles appeared in numerous publications, and he served as the founder and first president of the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy.
Reviews
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Review: Go to Joseph!
After our "year of Job and Lamentations" (when we spent a full year trying to sell the house in Denver while living in Virginia and trying to buy a house here), I have found a new love and devotion to St. Joseph! This is the go-to guy for all things impossible and necessary; he is the saint that is second only to Mary in the panoply of Catholic saints; this guy is good!
Well, when I saw a new book on the review shelf for the Catholic Company called Go to Joseph, I knew I had to read it. And, boy am I glad I did! Written by a Joseph-devotee and scholar, Fr. Richard Gilsdorf (1930-2005), this book is a very readable but scholarly book on all the things that make Joseph the "go-to saint". Fr. Gilsdorf quotes scripture -- what little there is that mentions the head of the Holy Family; he synthesizes papal documents like encyclicals and apostolic letters; he summarizes other theologians' writings about St. Joseph. And, even with all this heavy scholarly writing, Fr. Gilsdorf imbues his writing with a sense of the love the author feels for the subject; a love that is a reflection of what St. Joseph must have felt for Mary and Jesus. Fr. Gilsdorf explains that in Joseph's life with the Holy Family, we can see his work and intercessory powers for us now (pg 69): 1. he provides for us by answering the prayers of the faithful with powerful intercession 2. he governs us for Christ has made him "Lord of His house and ruler of His possessions" 3. he cherishes us as he loved Mary and Jesus 4. he protects us under his title of "Protector and Defender of Holy Mother Church" I particularly like how Fr. Gilsdorf explains the importance of the lack of detailed information about Joseph in the Bible and other early Church writings: We must understand there is a reason the Holy Spirit in His infinite wisdom has told us only so much and no more. One obvious reason is that by limiting the information, all persons of all paces and times can apply the basic facts to their own individual lives .... Thus, families of all ages can more readily imitate the essentional virtues of the Holy Family. Married couples can emulate the holy bond of Mary and Joseph ... Joseph, the just man, can be an example for all the faithful, but he serves in a special way as model for young men to answer God's challenge in all walks of life. He can be the stron patron and intercessor of workers and family providers. He can be a special patron of preiests married to the Church ..." (pg 101) The appendices are well-worth perusing and using -- bibliography of other scholarly works and Church writings about St. Joseph, prayers written to St. Joseph (including the Litany to St. Joseph and one written by Blessed John XXIII) , and the homily delivered by Pope Benedict XVI for the Feast of St. Joseph, March 19, 2009. Don't let this small (only four-by-six, 134 pages) volume fool you ... this is one of those books that I'll be constantly delving into when I need a boost, when I need to remember just how much St. Joseph has done for the Holy Family, Holy Mother Church, and me and mine. This is a book to leave on the bedside table, in my purse, or on my desk for reference. Yes, it's that good! So "Go to Joseph" with whatever you need ... and he will intercede to God for you and yours! And read the book if you want to know more about this quiet head of the Holy Family.
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