On 1 May 1955, during a public audience with the Catholic Association of Italian Workers in St. Peter's Square, Pope Pius XII instituted the liturgical feast of St. Joseph the Worker, assigning it to May Day. 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."
Earlier, in 1889, Pope Leo XIII presented St. Joseph as a model for "proletarians, workers, the underprivileged." Pope Benedict XV encouraged workers to follow St. Joseph as their guide and heavenly patron. Pope Pius XI emphasized St. Joseph as the patron in the struggle against atheistic communism, stating, "To hasten the advent of the peace of Christ, we place the Church's campaign against world communism under St. Joseph, her mighty Protector." He highlighted St. Joseph's connection to the working class, noting his poverty and faithful fulfillment of everyday duties as an example for those who toil for their families.
Finally, Pope Pius XII linked St. Joseph's image with the working class, stating, "The humble working man of Nazareth personifies the dignity of those who work with their hands." Holy Mother Church encourages Christian workers to look to St. Joseph as a model and example of Christian workmanship.
As St. Bernard of Clairvaux noted, "Imagine his worth from his very name, which means, 'increase'!" Work is not a punishment but part of God's plan. Whether crafting a chair or building a Cathedral, we are called to bear fruit with our hands and hearts for the purpose of building the Body of Christ.
St. Joseph, patron of workers, pray for us to work wholeheartedly in this world, always seeking to give glory to God.
Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,
Pelayan Atasan Tertinggi / Most High Servant,
Yesus, Maria, Yusuf Pelayanan Kasih / Jesus, Mary, Joseph Ministry of Love
(Blessed and Saints and the Nine Choirs of Angels)
My vocation is Blessed and Saints.
"I am the most humble of all the Saints in Heaven" Mary, Mother of God."
"I am the handmaid of the Lord, said Mary ‘let what you have said be done to me."
Mother Mary is the most humble Saint in Heaven and she is also the Mother of God for us all
(Luke 1:38)
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