A 16th Century Prophecy about St. Joseph, and What it Means for Today

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One of my most beloved prayers books is the 1997 Tan Publication: Favorite Prayers to St. Joseph. Well in this little booklet, tucked away and easy to pass over, is a curious prophecy. 

Please read:


A 16th-Century Prophecy
Isidore of Isolanis a pious Dominican of the 16th century, prophesied that “the sound of victory” will be heard in the Church Militant “when the faithful recognize the sanctity of St. Joseph.” He continues: “The Lord will let His light shine, He will lift the veil, and great men will search out the interior gifts of God that are hidden in St. Joseph; they will find in him priceless treasure, the like of which they have never found in other saints of the Old Testament. We are inclined to believe that toward the end of time God will overwhelm St. Joseph with glorious honors. If in the past ages, during the storms of persecution, these honors could not be shown to St. Joseph, we must conclude that they have been reserved for later times. At some future time the feast of St. Joseph will be celebrated as one of the greatest feasts. The Vicar of Christ, inspired by the Holy Spirit, will order this feast to be celebrated in the Universal Church."
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It is true that the feast of St. Joseph came about at a much later date. Further he wasn't declared Patron of the Universal Church until 1870. Why so late?

Perhaps we can look at Scripture for an answer. In Genesis Joseph (son of Isaiah) interprets the dream of Pharaoh. Joseph says that seven years of prosperity will be had, followed by seven years of intense famine. Pharaoh, on hearing these words, makes Joseph lord of his household. "And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake" (Gen. 39:5). The story follows that during the time of worldwide famine and hardship, the world learned that to be saved they must "Go to Joseph" (Ite ad Joseph). The New Testament Joseph does not store up the bread which will pass, but the true Bread of Life. Going back to that prophecy, it is very clear that the Church and the world are in a devastating spiritual famine. It is in these times that, I believe, God has ordained that the world once again "Go to Joseph." And we are seeing signs of this. Devotion to St. Joseph seems to be spreading like wildfire. Why? I don't believe it's simply because Pope Francis (I will hold my tongue on him here) has declared this to be the Year of St. Joseph. Nor that Fr. Calloway has written a very insightful book on St. Joseph. Rather, I believe God has specifically planned for this to happen. What shall we do? Go to Joseph, of course.

Comments

  1. Kinney333March 27, 2021 at 3:33 PM

    The prayer booklet of prayers to Saint Joseph you mention published by Tan Books is a gold mine of simple truth regarding the prerogatives bestowed on St. Joseph by God. I use it everyday. Saint Joseph was seen by Sr. Lucia with the Child Christ in the last apparition at Fatima blessing the world. St. Thomas Aquinas states in that prayer booklet you referenced, that St. Joseph is powerful in both spiritual and temporal needs. I can attest to that. I had a serious spiritual problem with a fellow Catholic who was sowing discord and St. Joseph intervened. He also led me to an apartment, and helped me get two jobs and promotion. I think he will be particular pivotal in helping Catholic familes survive as the poisoned effects of the Great Apostasy we are living in takes it toll on society in different ways in the not so distant future.
    I never read Tolkien, I will give it a try. God bless you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  2. DanMarch 29, 2021 at 8:02 AM

    Thanks for your comment. It always brings a smile to me when I hear of how St. Joseph continues to intercede. Your story is much appreciated. On a personal note for our family, we haven't been to a TLM for nearly 6 months (due to gov. regulations). But during our novena to St. Joseph this year, we somehow were placed on the Mass list for Easter Sunday. It's quite remarkable. We attribute this to St. Joseph's intercession.

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