Today is the Feast Day of Saint Joseph the Worker

Saint Pope John Paul II once wrote, “Work was the daily expression of love in the life of the Family of Nazareth.”  It was Saint Joseph who was unexpectedly called by God to be protector of His most precious gifts, the Blessed Virgin Mary and the child Jesus. We know from Scripture and Tradition that St. Joseph was a virtuous man and a carpenter by trade.  In humble obedience to his creator, and by the work of his own hands, he provided for the daily needs of his family.  Responding to God’s call, humbly submitting to God’s will and not his own, Joseph educated Jesus and taught him to be a carpenter.

It was Pope Pius XII who instituted the feast of St. Joseph the Worker in 1955 to emphasize the dignity, meaning, and value of human work in the eyes of God, and to give all laborers a model of virtue as well as a heavenly intercessor and protector.

No worker was ever more completely and profoundly penetrated by the spirit than the foster father of Jesus … thus, if you wish to be close to Christ, we repeat, Go to Joseph.”

– Pope Pius XII

Love Saint Joseph a lot.  He deserves your affection – and it will do you good to get to know him, because he has great power before the Lord and before the Mother of God.”

St. Josemaria Escriva

Saint Joseph, Model of Humble Workers, pray for us.

Be not afraid!  And may the peace of Christ be with you and your loved ones today and always.  Holy Family, pray for us.  Amen.