Catholic Heroes… St. Joseph The Hymnographer
By CAROLE BRESLIN In the late sixth and early seventh century, the glories of Gregorian chant began to develop in Rome. Then, in the thirteenth century, St. Thomas Aquinas wrote beautiful hymns to celebrate Corpus Christi and to honor the Real Presence. In the Eastern Church, around Constantinople, they also sang hymns, but it was not until the late ninth century that a simple man was inspired by God to write a plethora of hymns dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Bartholomew, St. Nicholas, and to many others. He composed so many hymns that he came to be known as St. Joseph the Hymnographer. Joseph, born around 810 on the Italian island of Sicily, had exemplary Christian parents. His…Continue Reading