Saint Joseph- Bodily Assumption

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Saint Joseph: The Assumption Hypothesis

Introduction

Saint Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, remains a beloved figure in Christian tradition. While the Church has not officially declared his bodily assumption into Heaven, some saints and theologians have pondered this possibility. Let’s delve into the context and reasons behind this hypothesis.

Lack of Bodily Relics

Firstly, consider that there are no bodily relics of Saint Joseph, just as there are none for Jesus and Mary. This absence of physical remains forms the basis for claiming that all three—Jesus, Mary, and Joseph—are glorified in Heaven1

Old Testament Prefigurations

  1. Elijah’s Assumption: In the Old Testament, the prophet Elijah was taken up to Heaven in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:11). His bodily assumption foreshadows the possibility of similar events for other holy figures.

  2. Moses’ Hidden Burial: Deuteronomy 34:6 states that God buried Moses in an unknown location. Jewish tradition holds that Moses ascended to Heaven. Could Saint Joseph’s fate be similarly mysterious?

New Testament Clues

  1. The Holy Family: Saint Joseph played a pivotal role in the Holy Family. He protected and cared for Jesus and Mary. If Mary was assumed into Heaven, it’s reasonable to consider Joseph’s participation in this divine plan.

  2. The Resurrection Connection: Saint Joseph witnessed the Resurrection of Jesus. As Christ conquered death and ascended to Heaven, could Joseph have shared in this victory?

  3. The Glorious Family: St. Bernardine of Siena proposed that Jesus, Mary, and Joseph formed a “glorious family” on Earth. If they dwelt together in love during their earthly lives, perhaps they now reign together in Heaven, body and soul2.

Saints’ Testimonies

  1. St. Bernardine of Siena: He believed that Joseph rose with Jesus and was in Heaven bodily and gloriously. A heavenly cross of gold reportedly appeared over his head while preaching this truth.

  2. Blessed Bernardine de Bustis: Witnessing the same event, he also affirmed Joseph’s assumption.

  3. Jean Gerson: The chancellor of Notre Dame in Paris invoked Joseph’s help during the Great Western Schism. He aligned with St. Bernardine’s view.

  4. St. Francis de Sales: This Doctor of the Church emphasized Joseph’s credit in Heaven, given that no relics of Joseph exist on Earth2.

Conclusion

While the Church has not officially defined Saint Joseph’s assumption, the pious belief persists. Whether Joseph ascended bodily into Heaven remains a mystery, but his role in the Holy Family and the testimonies of saints invite us to contemplate this extraordinary possibility. 21

May Saint Joseph intercede for us all!

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https://catholicnotion.etsy.com/

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