Friday, May 1st, 2020

A lot has been said about the Feast of St Joseph the Worker - but to understand the reasons for which Pope Pius XII instituted this feast, it is helpful to go back to the sources - amongst which is a prayer Pope Pius XII composed for this feast: which teaches us much about St Joseph, and much about the God’s participation in our work.

“Oh glorious St Joseph, model of all who are devoted to labor, obtain for me the grace to work in the spirit of penance in expiation of my many sins; to work conscientiously by placing love of duty above my inclinations; to gratefully and joyously deem it an honor to employ and to develop by labor the gifts I have received from God, to work methodically, peacefully and in moderation and patience, without ever shrinking from it through weariness or difficulty to work; above all, with purity of intention and unselfishness, having unceasingly before my eyes death and the account I have to render of time lost, talents unused, good not done, and vain complacency in success, so harmful to the work of God. All for Jesus, all for Mary, all to imitate you, O Patriarch St Joseph! This shall be my motto for life and eternity. Amen”

(cf: https://www.catholiconlineinfo.com/saint-joseph-the-worker-feast-day-1st-may/)