2026 Symposia Series

Saint Teresa of Ávila (1515-82) has a privileged place in the history of dissemination of veneration of Saint Joseph. However, what is customarily overlooked in Teresa’s story is the Carmelite liturgical cult of Joseph that preceded, formed the context for, and was the direct result of her ardent devotion to Joseph. Ultimately, it was the Carmelite Feast of the Patronage of Saint Joseph — inspired by Teresa’s adoption of Joseph as the reformed Carmel’s father and patron, as well as her insistence that the saint had a universal mandate as an unfailing intercessor in every need —that prepared the way for Blessed Pope Pius IX’s proclamation of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church (1870).

JSI invites you to this talk by Father Joseph Chorpenning, OSFS, who recounts the story of how Carmelite liturgical veneration of Saint Joseph played a key role in his proclamation as Patron of the Universal Church. Father Chorpenning’s talk explores themes from his most recent book: Saint Joseph and the Carmelite Reform of Saint Teresa of Ávila: Father, Teacher of Prayer, Intercessor in Every Need (Catholic University of America Press, 2025),

A priest of the Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales, Father Chorpenning received his S.T.L. in Historical Theology from The Catholic University of America and Ph.D. in Romance Languages from The Johns Hopkins University. He did post-doctoral studies in Art History at New York University’s Institute of Fine Arts. His publications include articles, books, and translations of early modern sermons and devotional works about Saint Joseph and the Holy Family, such as Just Man, Husband of Mary, and Guardian of Christ: An Anthology of Readings from Jerónimo Gracián’s “Summary of the Excellencies of St. Joseph” (1597) (1993; 2 nd edition 1995), Sermon Texts on Saint Joseph by Francis de Sales (2000), and Joseph of Nazareth Through the Centuries (2011). As we prepare to celebrate the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, please join us for this evening of reflection on Carmel’s singular contribution to the Church’s discovery of the guardian, protector, and patron chosen by divine Providence for His Church.

"Josephological Secrets for Holy Families" draws from the rich tradition of the Terror of Demon's patronage and intercession to unlock spiritual practices that transform ordinary homes into “domestic churches.” This symposium reveals how consecration to the Holy Family — rooted in Scripture, liturgy, and the lives of the saints — equips families to face modern trials with hope, purity, and heroic love. Through insights from 33 Days to the Holy Family, families will discover practical “secrets” for fostering chastity, prayer, sacrifice, and mission in daily life, mirroring the hidden life of the Holy Family of Nazareth.

JSI invites you to this talk by Scott L. Smith, Jr., co-author (with Father Donald H. Calloway, MIC) of 33 Days to the Holy Family: Consecration to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Scott shares how this 33-day program, offers a proven path for renewing marriages, raising children in virtue, and building resilient parish communities amid cultural chaos.

Scott L. Smith, Jr. is a Christian author, attorney, husband, and father whose books include 33 Days to the Holy Family, Consecration to St. Joseph for Children and Families (with Fr. Calloway), Near Death Experiences, Pray the Rosary with St. John Paul II, The Catholic ManBook, Lord of the Rings and the Eucharist, The Theology of Sci-Fi, Blessed Is He Who …: Models of Catholic Manhood, and a new edition of St. Louis de Montfort’s Total Consecration. His co-author, Fr. Donald H. Calloway, MIC — a convert priest of the Marian Fathers — is renowned for sparking global devotion to St. Joseph through Consecration to St. Joseph, St. Joseph Gems, The Chaste Heart of St. Joseph, and related works, alongside No Turning Back, Champions of the Rosary, and Under the Mantle. Together, they provide timeless Josephological wisdom for holy families today!

The Josephology Society International (JSI) invites you to join us online Thursday, September 10, at 7:00 PM Eastern, for a LIVE virtual talk by Fr. Daniel Joseph Brandenburg, LC, entitled “St. Joseph, Terror of Demons.”

Fr. Brandenburg will draw from his decades of priestly ministry, global apostolic work, and scholarly engagement with the Church’s mission to illuminate how St. Joseph’s hidden strength and spiritual fatherhood equip believers to confront evil with faith, courage, and trust in God.

A priest of the Legionaries of Christ, Fr. Brandenburg received his Ed.D. in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University and holds licentiates in moral theology and philosophy from the Regina Apostolorum Pontifical Athenaeum in Rome. Fr. Brandenburg, a mission preacher, retreat leader, and TV and radio show guest, has also written nine books, including The Way of St. Joseph (2021) and Lessons from the Workshop of Saint Joseph (2022).

Please register before September 10th via the blue "Register Here!" button to reserve your virtual seat today; after you RSVP, a Zoom link will be sent to your email for you to attend this online "St. Joseph, Terror of Demons" symposium -- the fourth in JSI's 2026 Live Symposia Series.

JSI hosted its third virtual symposium in its 2026 symposia series on Thursday, July 9th at 7:00 PM Eastern, titled, “Joseph, Virginal Husband,” presented by noted Josephologist Fr. Larry Toschi, OSJ, author, co-author, and editor of many books including, Saint Joseph in the New Testament; Husband, Father, Worker: Q&A about St. Joseph;  as well as Holy Spouses Rosary, 3rd Edition, and Saint Joseph Studies.

An Oblate of Saint Joseph (OSJ) since 1966 and priest since 1976, Fr. Toschi, an Honorary Advisor to the JSI since 2024, has presented at international Josephology symposia worldwide, including El Salvador in 2001 and Malta in 1997.