The Marriage of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Saint Joseph

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Marriage of Joseph and Mary

Life of the Virgins in the Temple

During her years in the Temple, the Blessed Virgin Mary lived among other young maidens who had also been dedicated to God by their families. These virgins were entrusted to the care of devout women who guided them in both spiritual and practical matters.

Their daily life included:

  • Embroidery and preparation of sacred vestments
  • Cleaning and maintaining items used in Temple worship
  • Prayer and meditation in quiet cells

These small rooms allowed them to look into the Temple, where they could remain spiritually united with the sacred services taking place.

When these maidens reached maturity, it was customary for them to leave the Temple and enter into marriage.

Mary’s Desire for a Life Dedicated to God

As Mary approached the age of fourteen, the time came for her to leave the Temple along with other maidens. At this moment, her mother Anne came to visit her.

Joachim had already passed away, and Anne had entered into another marriage in obedience to God’s will.

When Mary learned that she was to leave the Temple and be given in marriage, she was deeply troubled. Her heart was fully given to God, and she had desired to remain dedicated to Him alone.

She expressed this to the priests with sincerity and humility, explaining her longing to remain in the Temple and her intention to belong entirely to God.

However, she was told that she must follow the established path and accept marriage.

Mary’s Prayer and Interior Struggle

In her distress, Mary turned to prayer. In the quiet of her cell, she prayed fervently, seeking guidance and strength.

At one point, while drawing water, she received an interior consolation — a communication that brought her peace and helped her accept God’s will. This moment strengthened her and prepared her to embrace what lay ahead.

The Revelation to the Priest

At the same time, an elderly priest, unable to walk and carried by others, was brought before the Holy of Holies. During a moment of prayer and offering, he experienced a profound spiritual insight.

While reading from the Scriptures, his attention was drawn to the words of the prophet Isaiah:

“And there shall come forth a rod out of the root of Jesse, and a flower shall rise out of his root.” (Isaiah 11:1)

This passage illuminated for him a deeper understanding connected to God’s plan.

The Gathering of the Descendants of David

Following this, messengers were sent throughout the land to summon unmarried men from the lineage of David. These men gathered at the Temple, each clothed in festive garments.

The Blessed Virgin Mary was presented before them, though she herself withdrew in sorrow, unable to bear the thought of leaving her life of dedication.

Each man was given a branch, instructed to inscribe his name upon it, and to hold it during prayer. These branches were then placed upon the altar before the Holy of Holies.

It was declared that the one whose branch showed a sign would be chosen as the one appointed by God to be Mary’s husband.

The First Outcome

After a time of prayer, the branches were returned — none had shown any sign. The gathered men were then dismissed.

Among them was a devout young man who deeply desired to be chosen. When he saw that no sign had appeared, he withdrew in sorrow and dedicated himself to a life of prayer.

The Call of Joseph

The priests then searched the records more carefully and discovered that one man of David’s lineage had not yet been called — Joseph.

He was found living a humble life, working quietly in a distant place. At the request of the priests, he came to the Temple.

Like the others, Joseph was given a branch to hold during prayer.

The Sign Given by God

As Joseph placed his branch upon the altar, a remarkable sign occurred: a white flower, like a lily, blossomed from it. At the same time, a light appeared above him, signifying divine favor.

Through this sign, it was understood that Joseph had been chosen by God to be the spouse of the Blessed Virgin.

Mary’s Acceptance

Joseph was then presented to Mary in the presence of the priests and her mother.

Though she had desired to remain entirely hidden in a life of dedication, Mary accepted this outcome with humility and trust. She recognized that God’s will was unfolding and that His plans were greater than her own understanding.

With faith, she accepted Joseph as her spouse, confident that her commitment to God would remain intact.

Reflection

This account highlights several important spiritual themes:

  • Trust in God’s will, even when it differs from personal desires
  • The importance of prayer in moments of uncertainty
  • Humility and obedience as paths to grace
  • God’s guidance unfolding in quiet and unexpected ways

Mary’s response teaches us that true surrender does not diminish our calling but fulfills it.

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Thank you for your interest in the devotion to Our Mother of perpetual Help. May Our Mother of Perpetual Help intercede for you and your family. Amen

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