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).

The Josephology Society International (JSI) invites you to join us, on Thursday, March 12, at 7:00 PM Eastern, for a talk by Father Joseph Chorpenning, OSFS, who will recount 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 will further develop and explore 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.

The Josephology Society International (JSI) invites you to join us on Thursday, April 30, at 7:00 PM Eastern, for a 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 will share 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!

Join the third in JSI’s 2026 symposia series on Thursday, September 7, 2026, at 7:00 PM Eastern, for a virtual presentation, “Joseph, Virginal Husband,” will be given by noted Josephologist Fr. Larry Toschi, OSJ, author, co-author, and editor many books including, Saint Joseph in the New Testament; Husband, Father, Worker: Q&A about St. Joseph; Holy Spouses Rosary, 3rd Edition; and Saint Joseph Studies. A priest of the Oblates of St. Joseph since 1971, Fr. Toschi has been an esteemed speaker at international Josephology symposia, including Malta (1997) and El Salvador (2001), and serves as an honorary advisor to the Josephology Society International.