Maria Cäcilia Baij (1694 to 1766) was the abbess of the Benedictine convent of Montefiascone near Viterbo for 23 years. She died on January 6, 1766, with a reputation for holiness. Her life was rich in humiliations, suffering, and diabolical temptations. She possessed the charisma of contemplation and remarkable concentration, which often intensified to the point of ecstasy. In mid-December 1736, she was able to complete the life description of St. Joseph. She stated, "I have never read any writings about St. Joseph. I have only heard what Jesus Christ has revealed to me in His grace. In the same way that He revealed His 'inner life,' He also revealed to me the life of St. Joseph... I heard everything, and it was dictated to me by an inner voice, which happened in a wonderful and special way. It is a pronounced yet spiritual communication." Her writings remained lost for a long time and were later examined by the Holy Office in Rome. Pope Benedict XV recognized their significance and allocated a larger sum for their publication. Theologians like Odo Staudinger believe that certain embellishments may be attributed to her imagination, but this does not diminish the value of this biography. Christ urged Maria Cäcilia Baij to share these revelations with people. She had to force herself to do so, and without the explicit command of her confessor, she likely would never have done it. "Many prophets and kings wished to see what you see, and did not see it" (Luke 10:24). We can be grateful to Christ for allowing us insight into the mysteries of His incarnation through the charisma of His visionaries. Christ wants to draw closer to us so that we may follow Him with even greater love. "I pray to the Savior," said Cardinal Schuster of Milan, "that He may help all Christians understand the treasures of heavenly wisdom hidden in these pages.".