As we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Joseph the Worker on May 1, we are reminded of the relationship between Joseph (a carpenter) and all workers.
Bishop Burbidge is encouraging all pastors to provide an opportunity to the faithful of their parish to ask for the heavenly intercession of Saint Joseph the Worker for those who are unemployed and underemployed.
“Work is fundamental to the dignity of a person. Work, to use an image, ‘anoints’ us with dignity, fills us with dignity, makes us similar to God, who has worked and still works, who always acts…”
– Pope Francis, Feast of St. Joseph the Worker and World Labor Day, 5/1/13
Saint Joseph, as the foster father of the Lord, witnesses in a unique way to the care of the family and providing for its spiritual and material needs. Employment is one of these most important material needs. The Memorial of Saint Joseph the Worker on Friday, May 1, 2015, invites us to turn to him, Protector of the Universal Church and all of us, to ask his assistance for the unemployed who often feel utterly alone, abandoned, and many times guilty about their situation. Our prayers for the unemployed are a sign of our own concern and a hope for God’s providence in a most challenging situation.
Prayer to St. Joseph, Patron of Workers
St. Joseph, Patron of Workers,
Help us to respect the dignity of all workers.
Help us to learn about and to care about
Workers who do not have fair wages, just benefits, safe working environments.
Help us to raise our voices for justice for workers.
Help us to ask our government and our representatives
To develop policies that create jobs with dignity.
You taught your son
The value of work and the joy of work well done.
Teach us these lessons.
Guide us in our own work
And in the work of justice we are all called to participate in.
Renew our strength and commitment
Each day as we face the work ahead
As we labor for the common good of all.
Amen.