This book was published by "Pauline" under the title of "Father Saint Joseph," which includes a collection of 30 meditations on Joseph, "Patris Corde" (Apostolic letter of Pope Francis) and various prayers addressed to Saint Joseph.
As Saint Joseph is described as a person who is beloved, tender, obedient, hospitable, creative and courageous, a father's role in a family is usually that of a faithful and devoted worker, with similar qualities to those of Saint Joseph.
My second brother-in-law who passed away at the age of 67 last December due to late stage lung cancer is no exception. In spite of all the obstacles and difficulties in his life, he did his best for his family.
However, it is a pity that he enjoyed smoking too much. All of a sudden, his serious physical condition was discovered after a general medical check-up. The doctor assessed his health and told him that he could probably live for two or three months only. His family, of course, did their best to try and help him recover his health.
Nevertheless, it was too late. Thanks to the efforts of the family and the grace of God, he, in preparation for death, could reconcile with all the inner hurt that had remained in his memory.
One day, for some reason due to a conflict with a Catholic priest, he stopped going to church. He couldn't forgive and accept the priest who talked to him in a negative way. His pride and his sense of self-dignity were hurt so much that he began to build a barrier against the structure of the church.
Because his parents passed away when he was very young, he regarded "Mary, Mother of Jesus" as his spiritual mother. Naturally, he had a very special devotion to Saint Mary and kept praying the Rosary all the time.
When I visited his home during summer vacation once, I noticed that he used to hold the Rosary beads in one hand even whilst smoking. When he drove a car, he moved the beans from one place to the other.
Being a member of "Regio Mariae," he kept praying the Rosary. So, when he lost consciousness in his hospital bed, he spontaneously responded to the prayer of "Hail Mary, full of grace…" He truly had a loving prayer habit for the Rosary.
In general, about two-thirds of Catholics are in a cold mood in terms of practicing belief. The major reason for being non-practicing is due to a busy lifestyle: maintaining a livelihood, child-rearing, financial burdens, demanding job or study obligations. The second reason is the burden for the sacrament of confession due to spiritual pain, disappointment and conflict with the priest or religious person.
The third reason is the post-modern phenomenon of a value for leisurely life, hobbies, a change of view towards belief or conflict in the family. There are still other reasons such as annoyance, being skeptical and unfaithful, alienation, maladjustment or the lack of questioning.
Regardless of all the factors with ups and downs both in society and in the church, a father in any family has a special mission and responsibility for his family members. Let us appreciate their presence and give thanks to them!
The author is a member of the Daughters of St. Paul (fsp.pauline.or.kr.) living and giving the Good News to the world by means of social communication.