Catholic Daily

O God, Creator of all things, who laid down for the human race the law of work, graciously grant that by the example of Saint Joseph and under his patronage we may complete the works you set us to do and attain the rewards you promise. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER

On 1 May 1955, during a public audience granted to the Catholic Association of Italian Workers, whose members had gathered that day in Saint Peter’s Square to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their society and to pledge anew their loyalty to the Social Programme of the Church, Pope Pius XII instituted the liturgical feast of Saint Joseph the Worker and assigned it to the 1st day of May, giving concrete expression to the special relationship between Saint Joseph and the working class. The Pope assured his audience and the “working people of the entire world”: “You have at your side a Shepherd, a defender and a Father.” As Saint Bernard of Clairvaux says, “Imagine his worth from his very name, which means, ‘increase’!”

Pope Pius XII further said, “Our intention in doing so is to bring all men to recognize the dignity of labour. It is our hope, that this dignity may supply the motive for the formation of a social order and a body of law founded on the equitable distribution of rights and duties..... We are certain that you are indeed pleased, for the humble working man of Nazareth not only personifies before God and the Church the dignity of those who work with their hands, but he is also the constant guardian of yourselves and your families.”

Holy Mother Church directs Christian workers to look up to St Joseph their Patron as model and example of Christian workmanship. Work per se was never meant to be a punishment; rather, it formed the plan of God. And, so, whether we make a chair or build a Cathedral, we are called upon to bear fruit with our hands, our hearts and minds for the ultimate purpose, viz., the building up of the Body of Christ.

Reflection: “Whether you eat or drink, or whatsoever else you do, do all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

I adore You, O glorious Cross, which was adorned with the Heart and Body of my Savior Jesus Christ, stained and covered with blood. I adore You, O Holy Cross, out of love for Him, Jesus, who is my Savior and my God.

(Pope St. Pius V composed it in prison and Blessed Pope Pius IX declared that reciting this prayer five times on Friday will free five souls from Purgatory and 33 souls by reciting it on Good Friday. This prayer should be recited before a crucifix with a contrite heart and praying a few minutes for the Pope).

IN TIMES OF ACUTE DANGER AND HARDSHIP, WE MUST ALWAYS FLY INTO THE ARMS OF THE MOST POWERFUL MOTHER OF GOD AND TURN TO THE RECITATION OF HER HOLY ROSARY.

- Saint Pius V