2026 Symposia Series

JSI's first symposium of its virtual 2026 Symposia Series was titled "How the Carmelites played a key role in Saint Joseph's proclamation as Patron of the Universal Church." Presented by distinguished Josephologist Fr. Joseph Chorpenning, OSFS, he eloquently explored St. Teresa of Ávila's privileged place in the history of dissemination of veneration of Saint Joseph - including what is customarily overlooked in Teresa’s story: the Carmelite liturgical veneration of Joseph that preceded, formed the context for, and was the direct result of her ardent devotion to Joseph. Ultimately, Fr. Chorpenning shows how it was the Carmelite Feast of the Patronage of St. 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 Pius IX’s proclamation of Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church in 1870. 

A priest of the Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales (OSFS), Fr. Chorpenning received his STL in Historical Theology from The Catholic University of America and PhD 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 Joseph and the Holy Family, such as Saint Joseph and the Carmelite Reform of Saint Teresa of Ávila: Father, Teacher of Prayer, Intercessor in Every Need (2025), 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; 2nd edition 1995), Sermon Texts on Saint Joseph by Francis de Sales (2000), and Joseph of Nazareth Through the Centuries (2011).

JSI's second symposium in its 2026 Symposia Series was titled "Josephological Secrets for Holy Families" and given 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 shared how this program offers a proven path for renewing marriages, raising children in virtue, and building resilient parish communities amid cultural chaos. Unlock "secrets" and spiritual practices that can transform ordinary homes into “domestic churches" that mirror the hidden life of the Holy Family. 

Scott Smith's many other books include Consecration to St. Joseph for Children and Families (co-author 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.

JSI's fifth and final virtual symposium of its 2026 Live Symposia Series is titled "Authentic Fatherhood: Into the Breach with St. Joseph."  For the Society's grand finale this year, this final sympoosium will be a fireside-style LIVE chat between Bishop Emeritus Joseph Martino of Scranton, Bishop Emeritus Thomas Olmsted of Phoenix, and Fr. Edward Looney, Founder and President of JSI. After exploring Authentic Fatherhood and how Joseph is the exemplar model for both biological and spiritual fathers today, the Bishops will open up their chat to the audience for a Q&A session at the end. Space is limited so please RSVP by clicking the blue "Register Here!" button at the bottom well before 5 November to secure your virtual seat (once your register a Zoom link will be sent to your email). Register now and mark your calendars for 5 November at 7:00 PM Eastern because you do not want to miss this amazing discussion! 

The Most Reverend Thomas James Olmsted was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Lincoln in 1973. He was ­installed as the fourth Bishop of the Diocese of Phoenix in 2003 and led the faithful of Phoenix, Arizona until 2022, during which time he issued his landmark Apostolic Exhortation to men titled "Into the Breach." Prior, he served as Bishop of Wichita, Kansas, after being ordained Coadjutor Bishop in 1999. Prior, he served as the Rector / President of the Pontifical College Josephinum in Ohio. A member of the Jesus Caritas ­fraternity of priests since 1974, he has been deeply influenced by the witness and wisdom of Charles de Foucauld. He lived in Rome for 16 years where he obtained a master’s degree in theology, a doctorate in Canon Law, and worked more than 9 years in the Secretariat of State of the Holy See, residing at the Pontifical North American College and assisting seminarians with spiritual direction. Raised on a family farm on the Kansas-Nebraska border, his first contact with Catholic schools came when he entered St. Thomas Seminary College in Denver, from which he graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy. Known for his Pro-Life advocacy, he retired as Bishop in 2022. His motto: “Jesus Caritas (Love of Jesus).”

The Most Reverend Joseph Francis Martino was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in 1970. He was installed as the ninth Bishop of Scranton in 2003 and led the faithful of Scranton, Philadelphia until 2009. Prior, he served as an Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia since 1996. The Vatican raised him to the rank of honorary prelate in 1991. Prior, he served as Dean of formation in the Theology Division and Assistant Professor of Church History at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, his alma mater. He wrote the official document requesting the beatification of now St. Katherine Drexel. Born on May 1, the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker (his namesake), he was raised in Philadelphia as one of two children, attended St. Joseph’s Preparatory School, and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome – where he obtained his Doctorate in Ecclesiastical History and Licentiate of Sacred Theology. Known for his Pro-Life advocacy, he retired as Bishop in 2009. His motto: “Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life.”

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.

JSI's fourth online symposium in its 2026 Symposia Series was titled “St. Joseph, Terror of Demons,” presented by Fr. Daniel Joseph Brandenburg, LC. Fr. Brandenburg drew 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 can 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. A mission preacher, retreat leader, and TV and radio show guest, he has also written nine books, including The Way of St. Joseph (2021) and Lessons from the Workshop of Saint Joseph (2022).