|
Reviews by Dr Pravin Thevathasan
Consecration
to St Joseph
The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father
by Donald H. Calloway, MIC
Marian Press
In this wonderful book, Fr Calloway gives us a handbook on devotion to
the great spouse of Our Lady. The first part is a 33 day consecration
to St Joseph. Each day is dedicated to a specific title from his
litany. We learn about his marvelous virtues, for he is the greatest of
saints after Mary. He was a wonderful husband and father, an example
for us to follow. The second part is on the wonders of St Joseph. There
is an account of St Joseph's Oratory in Montreal, Canada, established
by Saint Andre, one of the greatest devotees of St Joseph in the
history of the Church. We are also reminded of why St Joseph is the
patron of a happy death and why he is the terror of demons. The third
part consists of a selection of great prayers to St Joseph. It is
followed by an appendix which tells us how to do the consecration.
What does it mean to consecrate ourselves to St
Joseph? In the words of Fr Calloway, "it basically means that you
acknowledge that he is your spiritual father, and you want to be like
him. To show it, you entrust yourself entirely to his paternal care so
that he can lovingly help you acquire his virtues and become holy."
Just as Mary is our spiritual mother, so Joseph is
our spiritual father. Devotion to one is in complete harmony with
devotion to the other. We are indeed imitating Christ, who entrusted
Himself to the care of Joseph and Mary.
Throughout the book, we find quotes from the saints
and popes about St Joseph.
At the end of the book are several beautiful woks
of art commissioned by Fr Calloway for the book. The art blends in with
the words of the book.
This book helps us to grow in our love of St Joseph. We can understand
why he is our spiritual father. The word Joseph means "increase." This
book will surely help us increase our devotion to St Joseph.
Copyright ©; Dr
Pravin Thevathasan 2021
Version: 31st January 2021
|