Joseph occupies a marginal place inside the theological discourse, unlike Mary. Yet, he also reflects important issues of our time, linked to the debate on identity, relationships and functions of being in the world as men and women, and in terms of living in a church made up of men and women.

Freed from hagiographic stereotypes and strictly apologetic purposes, Joseph becomes the emblem of a masculinity that is now more than ever in question: what does it mean for a male to feel himself as a subject, as a person? What does it mean to share a journey of substantial relationships and to generate life together? What does it mean to take care of the world, in the plurality of its possible expressions (politics, profession, civil commitment)?

This book starts an original path, expression of the fruitful intertwining that theology intends to establish with other cultural approaches. It discloses a set of “looks” – historical, biblical, sociological, theological, pastoral ... – aimed at Saint Joseph, a figure of a masculinity that questions us. Moreover, it proposes an ideal dialogue between scholars who have accepted Pope’s invitation: Ite ad Ioseph, «Go to Joseph». Their answers can be surprising.

CONTRIBUTORS: Daniele Bouchard, Arianna De Simone, Elizabeth E. Green, Andrea Grillo, Adreas Heek, Michela Murgia, Paolo Naso, Cristina Oddone, Giusi Quarenghi, Simona Segoloni Ruta, Silvia Zanconato.