SPIRITOFST.FRANCIS | ASK A FRANCISCAN By Pat McCloskey, OFM
Was St. Joseph a Virgin? Eucharistic Prayer I refers to Mary, the mother of Jesus, as “ever virgin” but does not use the same expression for St. Joseph. Why? ome Church fathers speculated that Jesus’ “brothers and sisters” (Mt 13:55– 56) were the children of Joseph from a previous marriage instead of cousins of Jesus. The Gospels do not say that Joseph was a widower before marrying Mary. Nevertheless, some Christians have had an easier time thinking of Joseph as an older widower than as a man approximately Mary’s age. Some painters have portrayed Joseph at the birth of Jesus as significantly older than Mary. I am not saying that this interpretation is correct—only that it is somewhat common. Pope Francis last December issued “With a Father’s Heart,” an apostolic letter on the 150th anniversary of the proclamation by Blessed Pius IX of St. Joseph as patron of the universal Church. He also proclaimed a Year of St. Joseph. The pope writes: “Even through Joseph’s fears, God’s will, his history, and his plan were at work. Joseph, then, teaches us that faith in God includes believing that he can work even through our fears, our frailties, and our weaknesses” (2). The complete text is available at vatican.va.
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What Is the Meaning of the Tau Cross?
Why do Franciscans so often wear a Tau cross or use it in their artwork? Also, compared to the crosses we usually see, why doesn’t it have a top part? au is the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet and is thought to be the symbol with which Ezekiel marked those chosen by God (Ez 9:4). Pope Innocent III opened the Fourth Lateran Council in 1215 (which was very important to St. Francis) with a homily on this Scripture passage. St. Francis of Assisi eventually signed his letters not with his name but with this symbol. Many Franciscans wear such a cross on a piece of leather, and Franciscan pilgrimage programs often begin by giving each participant such a cross. It represents a journey never completed this side of heaven. The Tau reminds us of St. Francis’ saying, “Let us begin again.”
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How Can I Guarantee This Final Wish?
I would like a priest or layperson to recite the Chaplet of Divine Mercy beside me as I am dying. Is this a vital preparation for one’s soul to enter heaven? No, it is not, although it is a fine prayer. Jesus’ disciples have lived their faith and died “in the Lord” for centuries before that prayer existed. Living out the Lord’s advice to be always prepared is a more trustworthy preparation for death than hoping that someone else will pray this prayer while a friend or loved one is dying.
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Pat McCloskey, OFM
