THE CIRCUMCISION AND PRESENTATION OF JOSEPH

Posted in: Catholic Teaching, St. Joseph

Concerning the little prince, the Scriptures do not give any
account of his childhood. As with the story of his conception
and birth, one must look to the divinely inspired writings of
Mother Cecelia Baij for details of Joseph’s circumcision, his early
gift of reason, and his presentation in the Temple.

On the octave day of his birth, the parents had Joseph
circumcised … and he was given the name of
“Joseph” (which means: May the Lord Give
Increase). Though crying at first, the infant soon
became quiet for among the many gifts which God
had now bestowed upon him was the use of reason.
And due to his sanctification in the womb, being
freed of the stain of original sin, Joseph was already
in the friendship of God (C. Baij, 1997, pg. 5).

Forty days after the birth of Joseph his parents
brought him to the Jerusalem Temple to present him
… As the priest took Joseph into his arms, and
presented and offered him to God, he experienced an
extraordinary sensation of joy and consolation of
spirit.

The priest … perceived how pleasing this child was
in the eyes of God. During the entire ritual Joseph’s
eyes were open and directed towards Heaven, being
completely taken up and absorbed in God. … The
priest revealed them that this child was pleasing to
God, and was destined for great things … After
hearing this, the parents gave thanks to God, … their
hearts profoundly touched and filled with joy. They
carried Joseph home as a treasure, as a divinely
conferred gift (C. Baij, 1997, pg. 6, 7).