On May 1, 1955, in an address to the Catholic Association of Italian Workers, Pope Pius XII took devotion to Saint Joseph one step further. He confronted the growing concerns posed by communism and its socialist philosophy on human labour and family life by instituting the Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker. “The humble craftsman of Nazareth not only personifies to God and the Holy Church the dignity of the labourer, but he is also always the provident guardian of you and your families.” May 1 (May Day) was chosen for the feast because socialist countries celebrated “International Workers’ Day” on that date. A Catholic feast, honoring the labourer in the person of Saint Joseph, was a fitting way of combating socialist ideology and restoring the dignity of labour to its proper place.
Though socialism and communism have faded in many parts of the world, they certainly have not gone away. Their philosophies continue to permeate many political systems. Unchecked capitalism also remains a threat to healthy human development and family life when the common good is overshadowed by selfish gain. The answer is simple: Go to Saint Joseph! We do not have to become intellectuals who comprehend all of the economic and political systems of our times. Instead, we must all turn to holy role models whom we can imitate. For the labourer and the family, Saint Joseph is a just man, a faithful spouse and father, a hard worker whose primary concern is for his family, a guardian and protector, an obedient servant of God, one who is humble and hidden from the spotlight, but faithful in all he does.
As we honour Saint Joseph the Worker, ponder your call to engage in the dignity of work. As you do, put your work into proper perspective. What is the goal of your work? Do you work excessively, seeking excessive gain? Do you grumble about your work and feel as though it is beneath you, holding you back from personal fulfilment? Strive for the virtuous way of Saint Joseph. Work hard to fulfil your vocation in life, and avoid excesses and extremes. We are made for love, for family, for faith, for charity, and for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. If your goals in life are anything other than these, then go to Saint Joseph the Worker and choose him as your model.
Reference:
Thomas., J.Paul. (2023) Saints and Feasts of the Liturgical Year: Volume Two: April-June, My Catholic Life Inc.
BN ID:2940167660076
Please pray for all those who have died recently:
Thomas Mani (87), George Kakkassery (75) Thomas Chummar (81) P V Varghese Punnackapadavil (88)
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