Brief Summary
The video explores two intriguing stories potentially linked to St. Joseph. The first involves a photograph where St. Joseph is believed to have appeared alongside a group of sisters, a claim later refuted by their religious congregation. The second recounts the construction of the miraculous staircase in the Loretto Chapel, built by an unknown carpenter after the sisters prayed to St. Joseph. Despite lacking central support and using unique wood, the staircase defies structural logic and remains standing. Both stories highlight the enduring faith and devotion people have for St. Joseph, viewing him as a guide and protector.
- A photograph of sisters with a man resembling St. Joseph.
- The miraculous staircase at Loretto Chapel built by an unknown carpenter.
- Enduring faith and devotion to St. Joseph.
Photograph of St. Joseph
A story circulated about a photograph featuring a group of sisters with a figure resembling St. Joseph standing next to Mother Alicia. This occurred in the same year Mother Alicia passed away, adding to the intrigue. She had shared the photograph with a friend before her death, who then shared it with others. The Daughters of the Fiat, the religious congregation to which the sisters belonged, issued a statement clarifying that there was no basis for the claims of St. Joseph's appearance in the photograph. They explained that the photo was taken during a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, where they were greeted by a gentleman at a small house and workshop in Nazareth. While they acknowledged his welcoming demeanour and vestments suggested he was religious, they stated this encounter did not substantiate claims of an apparition. Despite the congregation's clarification, many people continue to believe in the possibility of St. Joseph's appearance.
The Miraculous Staircase of Lorettto Chapel
In 1872, the Sisters of Lorettto commissioned a chapel for their school in Santa Fe, designed by Projectis, the son of architect Antoine Maui. After five years of construction, it was discovered that the plans lacked access to the choir loft. Projectis had passed away, and his father had returned to France, leaving the sisters distraught. Architects and carpenters concluded that building a staircase was impossible due to the limited space. The sisters prayed a novena to St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters, for help. On the ninth day, a man arrived, offering to build a staircase but requested complete privacy. The sisters agreed, but the carpenter left before they could pay him. They searched for him but never found him, leading them to believe it was St. Joseph himself.
Unexplained Features of the Staircase
Many people have claimed that a relative of theirs was the unknown carpenter, but the staircase's features suggest otherwise. Architects have struggled to explain the staircase's durability, considering it was built using basic tools and no electricity. Experts have confirmed that the 33-step staircase, built without nails or glue but with wooden pegs, would have required a woodworking master. It features two 360-degree spirals and lacks central support, resting only on its base. The wood's origin is also a mystery, as it doesn't appear to be from Mexico. A 15-month study in 1996 by forester Forest Easley concluded that no spruce existed exactly like it. Despite experts deeming the construction nearly impossible and potentially unsafe, the staircase still stands today.
Faith and Devotion
Regardless of whether the mysterious man was truly St. Joseph in both stories, the enduring faith and devotion of those who seek his intercession remain inspiring. St. Joseph's character as a humble worker, steadfast protector, and loving father figure reminds people that they can always turn to him in times of need, trusting in his guidance and care. Ultimately, it's the spirit of trust and devotion that matters most, encouraging people to see him not just as a historical figure, but as a compassionate guide and protector in their daily journeys.
