Today, the Church celebrates St. Joseph the
Worker. While his primary feast day is March 19, in 1955 Pope Pius XII
added a second day on May 1, celebrated as the Memorial of St. Joseph
the Worker.
Joseph was an ordinary man who worked with
his hands. Yet he cooperated in an extraordinary way in God’s Divine
plan for salvation.
Joseph was unfailingly obedient to God’s
commands. When the angel told St. Joseph not to be afraid to bring Mary,
his espoused wife, into his home, he obeyed. When he was warned to
escape to Egypt, he obeyed. He continually provided for his family and
protected them—even in the face of great danger.
Even though he was not the father of Jesus
biologically, St. Joseph was a devoted father to the Word Incarnate,
taking the place on earth of His Father in Heaven.
Joseph taught Jesus by example the
importance of human work. Joseph’s actions showed love and
responsibility through his labor and in his service of protecting and
providing for the Holy Family. As patron saint of the Universal Church,
St. Joseph continues his service to God and His Church. It’s comforting
to know he is praying for us, interceding on our behalf, and watching
over us.
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