Decorate a shelf or night stand with this glossy St. Joseph Prayer for Fatherhood Diptych. Celebrate the foster father of our Savior and order for yourself or as a gift today!
This painting was made by Melchior Paul von Deschwanden, a Swiss artist, in the 19th century. A tender and contemplative St. Joseph - the foster father of Jesus - is depicted with the child Jesus resting on his lap. Jesus is petting an ewe, forshadowing his sacrifice as the "Lamb of God," and St. John the Baptist, pictured as a young boy holding a cross with the "Agnus Dei" proclamation, kneels and devotedly kisses Christ's foot. With forehead scrunched in contemplation, the tender foster father of God takes in the scene, presumably contemplating the great sacrifice that his Son will make and the Divinity of his child. A rod of lilies points to his great purity and the legend of how he was chosen to be the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the axe next to him points to the hard work and labor he accomplished for his family throughout his life. The scene takes place in the clouds, a place of heavenly contemplation. As an altarpiece, von Deschwanden's piece rests in Kastelruth, Italy.
On the other side of the diptych, there is a prayer for fatherhood, making this a perfect gift for father's day or for your parish priest.
This diptych is ideal for desk, shelf and mantle decoration. This durable, glossy wood 6"x8" diptych is manufactured by local workers in Steubenville, Ohio.
Text:
Eternal God, originator of Fatherhood,
I offer to you the blessed office of Father.
May the men who occupy this dignified place
protect and care for their children and wives
with valiant honesty, heroic chastity,
noble humility, and stern sobriety.
Ignite a fire in the hearts of men, O God,
so that they may respond to the Divine call
to fatherhood, both natural and spiritual,
and model themselves after the holy excample of
Blessed Joseph, Father of the Universal Church.
Through his intercession, may fathers
be strengthened to flee from sin,
subdue their flesh, wrestle with the
powers of corruption, banish the darkness,
and obtain victory over hell and its agents.
We ask this through our
Lord Jesus Christ, sanctifier of all men,
to the glory of God the Father.
Amen.
( DIP-F1428 )
