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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.
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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
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