The National Marian Mantle Group


"Do whatever He tells you."   Jn 2:5


Home    About Us    Contact Us    Catalog    Guestbook    Join the Online Prayer Group    Prayer Menu    Make a Gift
Our Lady of Siluva    Article and Resource Library    "Silent Strength" Brochure    Site Map

St Joseph the Workman
Feast Day May 1
 

Patron of Workers

As workers in our occupations, and as workers in the Lord's vineyard striving to help clear the path for our loved ones to find their way home to Holy Mother Church,  let us remember to turn to St Joseph, who labored with dignity with the Child Jesus at his side for many years, and ask his guidance and protection for our families just as he served as guardian of the Holy Family.

 Why St Joseph the Workman?

In response to the “May Day” celebrations for workers sponsored by Communists, Pius XII instituted the feast of St. Joseph the Worker in 1955. But the relationship between Joseph and the cause of workers has a much longer history.  In a constantly necessary effort to keep Jesus from being removed from ordinary human life, the Church has from the beginning proudly emphasized that Jesus was a carpenter, obviously trained by Joseph in both the satisfactions and the drudgery of that vocation. Humanity is like God not only in thinking and loving, but also in creating. Whether we make a table or a cathedral, we are called to bear fruit with our hands and mind, ultimately for the building up of the Body of Christ.

~ From Saint of the Day, Lives, Lessons and Feast, By Leonard Foley, O.F.M.

 

 Prayer to St Joseph, the Workman

Glorious Saint Joseph, model of all who are dedicated to labor, obtain for me the grace to work in the spirit of love and to faithfully place my responsibilities above my own desires.  Help me to work with joy and gratitude.  Let me consider it an honor to use and develop the gifts I have received from God.  Aid me to work with order, peace, moderation and patience.  Help me to work above all for the glory of God and the coming of His kingdom.  May I remember that I am to give an account of the gifts and talents I have received.

* * *

“No worker was ever more completely and profoundly penetrated by it [the Spirit of God] than the foster father of Jesus, who lived with Him in closest intimacy and community of family life and work. Thus, if you wish to be close to Christ, we again today repeat, ‘Go to Joseph.'"                 ~Pope Pius XII