Summa de donis Sancti Ioseph

"Summary of the Gifts of Saint Joseph,"

-Isidoro Isolani

Italian Dominican theologian, 1522

https://www.google.com/books/edition/Summa_De_Donis_Sancti_Joseph/CQgY0AEACAAJ?hl=en
Attached also to this post as a pdf, as it is not now showing up in google for some reason.

COMMENTARY:

The following is a a chatgpt translation of the chapter in this book on his age.  He is cited by some trying to claim that St. Joseph was a young man as almost supporting their view. As you can see, he does not.

This is the first time any English translation of this work has appeared ANYWHERE.

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TRANSLATION

Chapter III, page 81

There is a question among many venerators of divine Joseph whether Joseph, at the time of the betrothal to the Blessed Virgin, was of youthful age or old age. And since the Divine Scriptures are silent on this matter, some turn to reason and strive to prove that Joseph was young. They argue thus: It is fitting for a bride to be of the same age as the groom; but the Blessed Virgin was young at that time: therefore, it is credible that Joseph was young at that time.


Furthermore, the Blessed Virgin was betrothed so that the mystery of the Son of God might be concealed, and consequently that He might be considered by men as the son of Joseph: therefore, he was at least of the age suitable for generation. But that age is by no means old age: therefore, he was young.



Furthermore, Joseph was chosen by God at an age in which he could serve the most blessed Virgin and the infant Christ, by traveling to distant regions, and there obtaining sustenance and other necessities through his own labor and skill for himself and the Blessed Virgin. But for these tasks, a youthful age was suitable, not an old age. Therefore, Joseph was young at that time.



Furthermore, a Gloss on that passage of Isaiah 62: "As a young man lives with a virgin" supports this, saying: That is Joseph with Mary. Moreover, almost all interpreters of the Divine Scriptures follow that Gloss. Therefore, Saint Joseph was young at that time.



On the opposite side is the custom of the Church, which presents the image of Saint Joseph in the form of an old man. And such a custom seems to have flowed down to us from the ancient fathers.



It is confirmed because some holy Doctors call him an old man, such as Saint Vincent of our Order of Preachers, in his sermons on the Nativity of the Lord. The same is supposed by Albertus Magnus in his commentary on *Missus est*, chapter 39. Therefore, Saint Joseph was an old man at that time.



I respond. Regarding the solution to this question, since we have nothing in the text of the Divine Scriptures, two things must be done: first, certain things must be prefaced; second, the question must be answered directly and supported with arguments.



Regarding the first point, note that the term "old age" or "youth" signifies the quality of a living being in relation to time. Time, in turn, belongs to the category of relatives. Some relatives are said to be absolute, while others are comparative, like big and small. For example, a grain of wheat is called big in comparison to a grain of millet, and small in comparison to a mountain, as the Philosopher says in the *Categories*, in the chapter *On Relation*. Thus, I say that a man is sometimes called old absolutely: that is, because he is of old age; sometimes in comparison: for example, if a forty-year-old man is compared to a boy. This is reflected in the common way men speak, which is especially considered in the meanings of words. For, as the Philosopher testifies, one should speak as the many do, but think as the few do.



Secondly, it must be noted that it is characteristic of the Divine Scriptures to signify several things even literally under one word, as Blessed Augustine says in Book 11 of the *Confessions*. Therefore, where the literal sense of something doubtful under a word indicating many things can be inferred, it should be followed if it is reasonable. For example, there is doubt whether angels were created before the visible world; and it is answered that they were not, with Scripture saying: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." "In the beginning" is explained as in the Son, at the beginning of time, and before all things. Hence, because of that word "In the beginning" having multiple meanings, we can follow a reasonable answer to the aforementioned question.



Thirdly, it should be noted that there are three opinions concerning the age of Saint Joseph when he espoused the most blessed Virgin. Some assert that he was young, handsome, and distinguished by every virtue. Others claim he was an old man with a beard, somewhat deformed; reasons have been provided for these views. A third, middle path is held by some, who affirm that he had passed his youth and reached manhood, strong in strength and handsome in body, as is fitting for the age of manhood. I am delighted to follow this opinion because it is consistent with the style of the Sacred Scripture, very reasonable and plausible, while not disregarding other opinions, and it answers their objections scholarly, somewhat preserving them. Indeed, the Divine Scriptures call Joseph the husband of Mary, to indicate his age, to confirm the marriage, and to commend the excellence of his virtue. For the word "man" is derived from manhood. Thus, in the usual manner, particular to Sacred Scriptures, the name "man" signified those three meanings. Nor should you be moved by the assertion of a certain teacher that the name "man" signifies virtue rather than age. This is true if you add that virtue is included as well. It does not signify age alone, but simultaneously expresses the duty of marriage and the excellence of virtues in one name. This opinion is also reasonable. For the advice of the law is that if there is doubt about the quantity of a number, both law and judge should determine a middle number. For example, if there is doubt whether someone is obliged to give twenty or thirty, the judge should make them pay the middle amount. Similarly, if there is doubt whether Saint Joseph was young or old at the time of the betrothal to the most blessed Virgin, the middle age, which is manhood, should be considered. Therefore, he was a man, and he is always called a man in Sacred Scriptures.



Furthermore, Joseph was then of that age where gravity, prudence, and strength particularly flourished, especially in the opinion of men. But this is solely associated with manhood: therefore, he was a man at that time.



Likewise, the age of manhood was fitting for the age of the Blessed Virgin, namely, that her husband would be a man. The Lord so loved her modesty that He preferred some to doubt about His own origin rather than the most honorable modesty of His mother: therefore, Joseph was a man at that time.



Furthermore, his journey to Egypt, the seven years he spent there, his return, the labors he endured in the education of the Savior, and the guardianship of the Virgin Mother, all argue that his age was most likely manhood.



Moreover, what do you think the Egyptians would have said if they had seen a handsome young man escorting someone of such virgin majesty, especially considering that the Egyptians always pursued the Hebrews with great hatred? Therefore, to ensure the peace of the most blessed Virgin as she raised the infant God with the utmost joy and reverence, a man was given to her by God of an age that would compel the Egyptians to revere him rather than denigrate him. This is the age of manhood. For they would have persecuted a young man with harsh words and mocked an old man. Therefore, an appropriate age was chosen, a middle age, which is manhood. And in this matter, one should not always resort to what God or the blessed angels, who were present with special care for the Savior, could do. For, as St. Thomas says in the third book of *Contra Gentiles*, chapter 90: "Everything that God does, He does according to the order of divine providence. In providence, there are two things: the conception of the order and its execution. The execution of those things pertaining to men is accomplished through angels by enlightening, and through men by external work." Therefore, one should not resort to miracles, except in the most extreme cases.



Wherefore, in response to the first point: if the meaning of the assumed proposition is taken precisely, it follows that Saint Joseph would have had to be a boy, as the Blessed Virgin was then almost a girl. Therefore, it should be understood with a grain of salt that a bridegroom should be the same age as the bride, when they agree in appearance, age, friendship, and the opinion of people. In age, not necessarily in the precise number of years, but according to the appropriateness of the sexes, which was the case in this most holy marriage. Moreover, it is fitting for each one to do what God commands by common or singular precept. This marriage was instituted by divine command.



In response to the second point, the initial consequence is conceded; however, the second consequence is denied, due to the previously provided reasons.



To the third point, it should be said that although youth is generally stronger for labor, adulthood often proves more enduring, with health having been acquired by the man as a habit, which is difficult to change. Therefore, it was fitting for Saint Joseph to be of adult age, for he had to endure great things over many years.



To the fourth point, it should be said that Saint Joseph was youthful in a flourishing age, not due to a scarcity of years. Secondly, I say that this sense is mystical, from which alone an effective argument is not derived, as Saint Augustine and Blessed Thomas say. Thirdly, it is said that the example brought forward regarding Joseph and the Blessed Virgin only holds concerning cohabitation, which the Prophet foretells there. It suffices for all examples to be verified concerning one particular aspect. There is no need for them to be verified in every respect.


Regarding the argument in opposition, it is said that manhood, being in the middle between youth and old age, partakes of the conditions and denominations of both extremes. Therefore, Saint Joseph could be called both old and young. He was indeed considered old in comparison to the Blessed Virgin, who was a girl, albeit of divine, though slight, appearance. Joseph, however, was bearded and venerable in appearance at that time. He could also be called young because of his beauty, health, strength, and constant labor. Through these aspects, the statements of renowned men are venerably supported.