Thursday 24 September 2009

St. Joseph of Arimathea


Christian Glastonbury is inextricably connected to the story of St. Joseph of Arimathea. According to the Gospels, he was a rich man, a wise and honourable counsellor who was a secret disciple of Jesus. After the crucifixion, Joseph went to Pilate and bravely requested possession of the executed criminal's body. Using fine spices and an expensive linen shroud, he buried Jesus in his own personal tomb.

According to legend, Joseph of Arimathea was actually the uncle of Jesus. He was a rich tin merchant who traded far and wide. It is said that he even sailed as far away as Cornwall, a major tin mining area. Moreover, it is believed that on one trip he brought along his young nephew and together they visited Glastonbury. Apparently, therefore, the so-called "Lost Years of Jesus" involved a trip to England! This legend conferred great status on Glastonbury, it goes without saying.

And that's just the start of the legend of St. Joseph of Arimathea! Stay tuned for more!

2 comments:

mxtodis123 said...

Ah, I am waiting to hear more on his legend. I love anything Celtic or that has to do with Avalon.

yellowdoggranny said...

i know that story..and Jesus was also supposed to have visited Egypt..during his lost years..