Saint Joseph was a carpenter, as we know from Matthew 13:55, "Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? ....". He was a faithful and righteous man who went about doing his day-to-day work without complaining. He was a man who just put total trust in God, and did what he was required to do in order to care for his family. In order to Christianise the concept of labour and give to all workmen a model and a protector, Pope Pius XII instituted the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker in 1955, therefore Saint Joseph is the Church the patron saint of workers and craftsmen. In some countries around the world 1 May is observed as a public holiday to commemorate Labour Day aka May Day, a day of celebration in honour of workers labour.
In normal times, Catholics traditionally honour Saint Joseph every Wednesday. The Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Husband of Mary and the foster father of Jesus will be celebrated on 19 March. Except for Mary, no other saint has more than one feast day.
"I know by experience that
the glorious St. Joseph
assists us generally in all necessities.
I never asked him for anything
which he did not obtain for me."
~ * ~ St. Teresa of Avila ~ * ~
St. Joseph the Worker, Pray for us!
St. Joseph faithfully practiced the carpenter's trade.
He is a shining example for all workers.
~ * ~ Canticle of Zechariah ~ * ~
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, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Prayer to Saint Joseph for Fidelity to Work
Glorious St. Joseph,
model of all who are devoted to labour,
obtain for me the grace to work conscientiously,
putting the call of duty above my natural inclinations;
to work with gratitude and joy,
considering it an honour to employ and develop,
by means of labour, the gifts received from God,
disregarding difficulties and weariness;
to work, above all, with purity
of intention and with detachment from self,
having always before my eyes death,
and the account which I must render of time lost,
of talents wasted, of good omitted, of vain complacency in success,
so fatal to the work of God.
All for Jesus, all for Mary,
all after your example, patriarch Joseph.
This will be my watchword in life and in death.
Amen.
