Josephology Society International

Purpose

Unite Christian scholars, theologians, and evangelists worldwide to study and make known the role of Saint Joseph, the Guardian of our Redeemer, in God’s amazing plan of salvation history via its annual symposiums and its publication, Josephology Studies. “Get to know Joseph and you will find Jesus!” A right and robust Josephology complements and assists a right and robust Christology and Mariology.

History

The Josephology Society International began on October 13, 2024 by the grace of God and was founded by Rev. Edward Looney, MDiv, STL, with the assistance of co-founder John D. Lewis. Fellow charter members included: Rev. Joseph F. Chorpenning, OSFS, STB, STL, PhD, Rev. Boniface Hicks, OSB, MDiv, STL, Rev. Michael Ademola Odubela, OSJ, STL, Rev. Neil J. Roy, STL, PhD, Deacon Mark Miravalle, PhD, STD, Subdeacon Dennis Mifsud, BTheol, MA, STL, Robert Fastiggi, MTh, PhD, Mike Aquilina, MTh, Scott Hahn, MDiv, PhD, Scott L. Smith, Jr., JD, MTh, Joseph E.S. Uujamhan, KSG, PhD, FAEng, Andrew Kong, JCL, BSc, Cecilia Lawrence, BS (Art), and Celia Cortest Chin. Honorary Advisors included esteemed Josephologists Rev. Larry Toschi, OSJ, MSTM, MDiv, MA, and Very Rev. Donald H. Calloway, MIC, STL. The initial blueprint used for the Josephology Society was the Mariological Society of America, established in October 1949.

Publication

Our flagship publication, Josephology Studies, will contain scholarly articles on the most recent research within the theological field of Josephology as well as the proceedings of the annual Symposium. Accessed via E-Commons, future editions will be available online; or, you will also be able to purchase a print version for a small donation.

The organizational structure is found in the Bylaws of the Society and is governed by the Administrative Team, which is composed of an Administrative Council of President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer, as well as 10 Officers. Society members on the Administrative Team, voted in by the Charter Members and Honorary Advisors, serve in various roles and positions for a 3-year term. Currently, they are as follows:

President: Rev. Edward Looney; Vice President: John D. Lewis; Secretary: Renee LeBoeuf; Program Officers: Rev. Joseph F. Chorpenning, OSFS & Dr. Joseph E.S. Uujamhan; Planning Officers: Rev. Boniface Hicks, OSB & Aaron Joseph; Promotion Officers: Rev. Michael Ademola Odubela, OSJ & Celia Chin; Journal Editors: Rev. Neil J. Roy & Dr. Robert Fastiggi; Bylaws Officer: Andrew Kong; Website Officer: Scott L. Smith, Jr..

General membership in the Society includes four types:

Scholar: those with an academic degree in theology (or its equivalent), a published work, or a founder of an apostolate related to Saint Joseph.

Associate: those who want to work with the Society to accomplish its aims. Communities or institutions may also request this membership.

Student: those with current student credentials.

Patron: those generous souls who can greatly support the work of The Josephology Society. (If you are also a Scholar, for example, you may register as a Patron-Scholar.)

English is the official medium of the Society. Persons of any country are welcomed to join. Membership allows a person to be privileged to information that may not be shared widely, a way to show their support of Josephology, and a wonderful addition to any Josephologist's curriculum vitae.

Organization

The Society holds an annual symposium. Venue, themes, and speakers are determined by the Administrative Team. Offers from groups who wish to host an annual symposium are greatly appreciated. Anyone may attend the annual symposium, which includes a presidential address, numerous presentations, and a survey of recent Josephological publications. Symposium proceedings are published in Josephology Studies each year.

Annual Symposium

What is Josephology?

Josephology is a specialized subdivision of dogmatic theology that focuses on the study of Saint Joseph, the husband of Mary and the earthly father of Jesus the Messiah. Rooted in Scripture, it extends back to the 300s AD with Saint Jerome and Saint Ephrem the Syrian. This field has blossomed especially over the past 150 years. As Mariology (the study of Mary) grew, so too did the theological exploration of Joseph's role within Christianity. Both aid in our understanding of Christology (the study of Christ), the ultimate goal of all Christians.

Call for Papers!

In 2020, Pope Francis launched the Year of Saint Joseph with the apostolic letter, Patris Corde (With a Father’s Heart), which highlights qualities that distinguish his exemplary fatherhood to Jesus our Lord and Saviour, marking 150 years since Bl. Pope Pius IX declared Joseph the "Patron of the Universal Church."

The tentative theme for our 2025 Symposium -- and thus the overarching theme for our Call for Papers -- is "Holy Joseph, Beacon of Hope in the Jubilee."

Future symposium themes may include "Joseph: Husband, Father, and Worker in God’s plan of Salvation" and "Saint Joseph the Silent in the Arts," etc. Please send us your suggestions for themes of future symposia. Other future Josephological topics might include: Did Joseph and Mary have a true marriage? Did the Messiah need to come from a true marriage? What kind of Father was Joseph to Jesus? Was Jesus Joseph’s only child? As Mary is the Theotokos, could a title for Joseph be the Theotata? What can Joseph the humble carpenter teach us about the virtue and theology of Work? Is Joseph the greatest Marian saint? Is Joseph the New Father Abraham of the New Covenant? Is Joseph the New Uzzah of the New Covenant? How can Joseph the Most Chaste Terror of Demons help men defeat pornography and impurity? Was Joseph’s carpenter shop like a seminary for Jesus his apprentice? What did Joseph teach Jesus? What can Joseph, the Model Husband and Model Father, teach men today? What is Josephology? Why now? How can a right and robust Josephology enhance both Mariology and Christology?

Submit abstracts (350-500 words) with an explanation of how the proposal relates to the symposium's theme and sources that you will use by January 6, 2025 to JosephologySociety@gmail.com. Top papers to be awarded special academic recognition at the Symposium.

2025 Symposium

Slated for May 1, the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, the tentative theme will be "Holy Joseph, Beacon of Hope in the Jubilee." We will hammer out various Josephological topics, chisel out future themes, and saw off and sand down any rough edges of our fledgling Society. To register, kindly RSVP here. Thank you!

The Josephology Society is a Christian theological association dedicated to studying and making known Joseph, the loving earthly father of Jesus the Christ, in salvation history. Through its annual symposium and publications, the Society seeks to promote comprehensive and integrated study of the person and role of Joseph, the model husband and model father. This helps to foster a well-informed and theologically sound Josephology, which in turn aids and augments a theologically sound Mariology and Christology.

Our Mission

The Science of Saint Joseph

Discover profound insights through Biblical analysis, ancient Eastern & Western Church Fathers, Jewish and Christian history, iconography, and more!

Annual Symposium

Engage with scholars & deepen your understanding.

Publications & Research

Access our journal for the latest academic insights & findings.

Join the Society

Become a member & contribute to Josephology.

Dive In!

There's an ocean to fathom about Jesus through the eyes of Joseph. Join us!

"Join the Josephology Society to know the man who participated most closely in the Mystery of the Incarnation of the Redeemer, hidden for 30 years in the Holy Family. Meet St. Joseph, uniquely chosen by God to be: Virginal husband of the Mother of God, Earthly father for God’s own Son, Model of holiness in ordinary daily living, and Patron of the whole Church.”

- Rev. Larry Toschi, OSJ

"Saint Joseph is the gateway to Jesus and Mary.”

- Very Rev. Donald H. Calloway, MIC

"To sketch St. Joseph, [we] must use something like the painterly technique of chiaroscuro. An artist depicts the surrounding shadows in order to accentuate the objects caught in a small shaft of light."

- Mike Aquilina

"Saint Joseph is the Silent Knight of that most Holy Night!"

- Dr. Scott Hahn

Josephology Society Membership

Help the Society grow worldwide!

Scholar

For those with a degree in theology (or its equivalent), a published work, or a founder of a Josephological apostolate. Annual dues, which start March 19, are $40 (retired or consecrated persons $20).

Associate

For those who want to work with the Society in accomplishing its aims. Communities and institutions may also request this membership level. Annual dues, which start March 19, are $20.

For current students or seminarians of any secondary or higher education institution. Annual dues, which start March 19, are $10.

Student

For generous souls who can donate $100 or more per year to help with the great work of The Josephology Society. If you are also a Scholar, for example, you may register as a Patron-Scholar. Annual dues start March 19.

Patron

*No dues

required

until

March 19

Charter Members

Rev. Edward Looney, MDiv, STL: Founder. A dedicated Josephologist & Mariologist, accomplished author of seven books including Places of Grace and A Heart Like Mary’s, public speaker, pilgrimage leader, and popular YouTuber with over 500 videos, Fr. Edward is the Founder/Host of the "Cup of St. Joe" podcast which aired weekly during the Year of St. Joseph with a total of 47 special guests. The Compass columnist for the Green Bay diocesan newspaper and writer for Catholic Exchange, Aleteia, and Catholic-Link, Fr. Edward also has a website design background and currently serves as the Secretariat (past President) of the Mariological Society of America (MSA) and is the founding father of The Josephology Society. He has also appeared as a special guest on the Cuppa Joe show on YouTube’s Josephology channel.

Rev. Joseph F. Chorpenning, OSFS, STB, STL, PhD: prominent Josepholgist with works such as Joseph of Nazareth Through the Centuries (2011 comprehensive collection of essays from various scholars exploring veneration of Joseph throughout history), Just Man, Husband of Mary, Guardian of Christ (1993 anthology with selections from Gracian's treatise on Joseph, translated into English for the first time), Saint Joseph: Reflections on a Father's Heart. Fr. Joseph, affiliated with St. Joseph University in Philadelphia since 1991, served as the Editorial Director of Saint Joseph’s University Press, and has written or edited 20+ books – his latest work, Saint Joseph and the Carmelite Reform of Saint Teresa of Ávila (2024).

Rev. Boniface Hicks, OSB, MDiv, STL: author of Through the Heart of St. Joseph, and 3 other books, specializes in spiritual direction and formation, leading retreats, and a well-known guest on EWTN and YouTube. A former atheist before his conversion to Christianity, Fr. Boniface serves as the Director of Spiritual Formation at St. Vincent’s Seminary, the Director of the Institute for Ministry Formation, and as the Programming Manager of We Are One Body Catholic Radio.

Fr. Neil J. Roy, STL, PhD: scholar, co-founder, and president of The Research Institute for Catholic Liturgy, he has contributed significantly to Josephology through his extensive editorial work with numerous publications and has held teaching positions at the College of Saint Mary Magdalen, University of Notre Dame, The Catholic University of America, and as a chair of the Department of Theology at Ave Maria College in Michigan.

Rev. Michael Ademola Odubela, OSJ, STL: author of St Joseph’s Treasury: a manual of Devotional Prayers, a professor of Moral Theology at Sts. Peter and Paul Major Seminary in Nigeria, Rector of the formation house, and a member of the Archdiocesan Senate, he is a public speaker and actively engaged in a Josephological social media apostolate on YouTube.

Deacon Mark Miravalle, PhD, STD: professor at Franciscan University since 1986, Ave Maria University, and holds the St. John Paul II Chair of Mariology, he specializes in Mariology, Spiritual Theology, and Josephology and has written or edited 20+ books, including Meet Your Spiritual Father (2017). Popular speaker on EWTN, Catholic radio, and YouTube, Mark was a special guest on an episode of Cuppa Joe wherein he spoke on Joseph’s fatherhood, virginity, and protodulia.

Scott Hahn, MDiv, PhD: prominent, very well-known Catholic convert, theologian, popular public speaker on EWTN, YouTube, radio shows, prolific author of 30+ books, apologist, and Founder of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology. Renowned for his specialty in covenant theology and typology with too many contributions in too many fields to mention, Scott’s work in Josephology includes various talks such as “Silent Knight, Holy Knight”, about Joseph’s role in salvation history. A professor at Franciscan University since 1990, Scott’s academic roles have included serving as the Pope Benedict XVI Chair of Biblical Theology and Liturgical Proclamation at St. Vincent Seminary and the Cardinal Laghi Chair of Catholic Theology at the Pontifical College Josephinum.

Robert Fastiggi, MTh, PhD: Chair of Christology at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, professor of Dogmatic Theology, Robert served as editor for the New Catholic Encyclopedia, for the Denzinger-Hünermann compendium, and for an English translation of Ludwig Ott’s Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma. An active member of the Society for Catholic Liturgy, the Mariological Society of America (President), and the Pontifical Marian Academy International, Robert has been a public speaker at many conferences, EWTN, radio shows, and YouTube, for example: "What is Josephology with Dr. Robert Fastiggi.”

Mike Aquilina, MTh: hyper-prolific author of an incredible 80+ books including St Joseph and His World, a patristics guru (Fathers of the Church website), a familiar face on EWTN, songwriter, executive VP of St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, Mike has served as editor for New Covenant magazine and The Pittsburgh Catholic newspaper for several years. Podcast host (Way of the Fathers), keynote speaker, pilgrimage leader, his many specialties encompass journalism, research, history, doctrine, and spirituality. He appeared, twice, as a special guest on the Cuppa Joe show.

Joseph E.S. Uujamhan, KSG, PhD, FAEng: author of the six volume set, Saint Joseph as Revealed by the Doctors of the Church, as well as The Indispensable Saint Joseph I know from the Popes (which he presented to Pope Francis in a private audience in 2014), Joseph – a distinguished engineer and Josephologist – serves as the Coordinator (and Founder) of the Saint Joseph Society of the Archdiocese of Benin City in Nigeria, and was knighted by Pope Benedict XVI as a Knight of St. Gregory the Great in 2005.

Scott L. Smith, Jr., JD, MTh: co-author of Consecration to St Joseph for Children and Families, and many other books such as The Catholic ManBook, he specializes in men’s groups, evangelizing, blogging (The Scott Smith Blog) – with articles on St. Joseph (e.g., “Was St. Joseph an Old Man or a Young Man?”), and the theology of Sci-Fi. Founder of the Catholic Nerds Podcast and Facebook group, Scott works as an accomplished attorney in Louisiana, and has appeared as a special guest on the Cuppa Joe show.

Mike Aquilina, MTh: hyper-prolific author of an incredible 80+ books including St Joseph and His World, a patristics guru (Fathers of the Church website), a familiar face on EWTN, songwriter, executive VP of St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, Mike has served as editor for New Covenant magazine and The Pittsburgh Catholic newspaper for several years. Podcast host (Way of the Fathers), keynote speaker, pilgrimage leader, his many specialties encompass journalism, research, history, doctrine, and spirituality. He appeared, twice, as a special guest on the Cuppa Joe show.

Cecilia Lawrence, BS (Art), aka Theophilia: renowned for her beautiful icons "St. Joseph the Worker" and "Terror of Demons," which appeared in Consecration to St. Joseph, her artwork is inspired by Christ’s Incarnation and her love for theology and history. Depicting saints as relatable people through vibrant iconography and historical realism, her amazing portfolio has been showcased for a million people on DeviantArt and Etsy. Her artistic philosophy is encapsulated by her favorite two mottos: “To contemplate and to give to others the fruits of contemplation” (from the Dominican Order) and “Fight to the death for truth, and the Lord God will fight for you” (Sirach 4:28). Cecilia was the very first special guest on the Cuppa Joe show.

Andrew Kong, JCL, LLB, BSc: magna cum laude graduate of the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome with a Licentiate in Canon Law, Defender of the Bond for the Archdiocesan Ecclesiastical Tribunal in Singapore, apologist, Theology of the Body instructor, public speaker, relics expert, and professional magician, Andrew has also appeared as a guest on the Cuppa Joe show titled “The Case for Joseph & Mary’s valid marriage.”

Celia Cortest Chin: a natural evangelist and promoter of St Joseph, public speaker, a professional hairstylist for Miss USA beauty contestants and celebrities with 35 awards including 7 national makeover awards. From Wichita, Kansas, she says that St Joseph is the First Founder of Perpetual Adoration and is the “secret weapon” of how she helped to establish over 60 adoration chapels. Celia has also appeared as a YouTube special guest on the Cuppa Joe show.

John D. Lewis: author of four books including Journey with Joseph, founder of the Josephology Facebook group and YouTube channel, and Host of the Cuppa Joe show, John is a co-founder of The Josephology Society, convert, apologist, and a professional pilot based in Hong Kong.

Honorary Advisors

Rev. Larry Toschi, OSJ, MSTM, MDiv, MA: author of Husband, Father, Worker: Questions & Answers About St. Joseph, as well as Joseph in the New Testament, and Joseph Studies: A collection of English papers on St. Joseph presented at International St. Joseph Symposia in Malta, and St. Joseph in the Lives of Two Blesseds, The Holy Spouses Rosary, and Holy Spouses website and apostolate. An Oblate of Saint Joseph since 19, his leadership was instrumental in the renovation and rededication of the Shrine of St. Joseph, Guardian of the Redeemer in Santa Cruz, California. He is also known for his pro-life, pro-NFP, pro-family, and pro-fatherhood advocacy. He also appeared as a special guest on the Cuppa Joe show.

Very Rev. Donald H. Calloway, MIC, MDiv, STB, STL: prominent Josephologist and Mariologist, a very familiar face on EWTN and YouTube, he is responsible for helping to usher in the Year of St. Joseph with his epic watershed book Consecration to St Joseph: the Wonders of Our Spiritual Father. His many books also include Consecration to St Joseph for Children and Families, and The Chaste Heart of St Joseph (A Graphic Novel), and St. Joseph Gems: Daily Wisdom on Our Spiritual Father. An avid surfer, his popular conversion story can be found in the Emmy-winning documentary titled “The Testimony of Fr. Donald Calloway” – and his talk, “The Rosary: Spiritual Sword of Our Lady,” has about 3 million views on YouTube. He also appeared as a special guest on the Cuppa Joe show.