By Verghese V Joseph –
New Haven, Connecticut: A new documentary, St. Joseph: Our Spiritual Father, produced by the Knights of Columbus, sheds light on one of the most hidden protagonists in the Bible. The 60-minute documentary premiered on October 10 for a six-week run on North America’s ABC-affiliated stations across the country through a partnership with the Interfaith Broadcasting Commission (IBC).
The film’s release coincides with the final months of the special Year of St. Joseph, declared by Pope Francis to encourage each person to mold their life according to the example of St. Joseph and turn to him in prayer.
“St. Joseph is often considered the silent, humble witness of the Bible,” said Patrick Kelly, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus. “The truth is that he models for each one of us the importance of prayer, obedience and courage in our lives. I encourage everyone to watch this documentary as a way to go to St. Joseph, increase their devotion to him and allow his example to inspire us in our many challenges.”
While the Gospel has not preserved any of his words, his actions have resounded through the ages. Joseph of Nazareth stands out as the model par excellence of Christian virtue, a brilliant example of obedience to God and trust in Divine Providence. His role as protector of families in the difficulties of life and Patron of the universal Church has never been more clearly needed. Now, in this Year of St. Joseph, the Church is seeking to deepen its understanding of the Guardian of Jesus and of the Holy Family.
Featuring interviews with leading experts and theologians, in addition to powerful first-hand testimonials — St. Joseph: Our Spiritual Father provides viewers with a glimpse into one of the most incredible lives in all of human history — a figure whose spiritual fatherhood remains open to all of us.
“In St. Joseph, we see our mission and mandate. Guard the family. Guard the truth. He led through service and creative courage. So must we. It is the only way to overcome the hurdles facing our families, the Church and our culture,” added Patrick Kelly.
The Knights of Columbus was founded by Blessed Michael McGivney, a young parish priest in 1882, to serve the needs of a largely immigrant Catholic community. What began as a small fraternal benefit society has since grown into one of the world’s leading international charitable organizations, with 2 million members in more than 16,000 local councils. Using reenactments, interviews with scholars and the inspiring witness of contemporary people with a devotion to St. Joseph, the documentary offers an opportunity to learn about Jesus’ foster father from a historical perspective and the extent to which a devotion to him can be life-changing.
“Joseph waits silently for us, ready to guide us in the same way he helped our Lord,” Kelly added. “Throughout my life, I have found him to be a powerful help when confronted with tough choices, and I encourage others to turn to him as well.”
“A spiritual father is forever interceding before God for your sake,” said Mother Agnes Mary Donovan of the Sisters of Life, interviewed in the film. “He cares for the good of your life. He cares that God’s plan within your life be fulfilled.”
Segments from the documentary and resources on St. Joseph, as well as a schedule of the ABC airings, are available at kofc.org/stjoseph.