May 1

SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER

This feast day is one of two dedicated to St. Joseph in our liturgical calendar, the other being on March 19 (St. Joseph, Husband of Mary). Instituted by Pope Pius XII in 1955 in response to Communist "May Day" celebrations dedicated to workers, this feast day reminds us that God blesses our labours and that there is dignity and purpose in our work, however humble. St. Joseph's quiet dedication to his work as a carpenter is an example to us.

Did you know?

The Greek word for carpenter (or wood-worker generally) is Tekton. As a carpenter in his time, St. Joseph would likely have taught Jesus how to cut trees, as well as cut them into heavy beams they would have had to carry. In this way, we can meditate on how St. Joseph prepared Jesus physically to carry His cross.

A family tradition...

Encourage your children to write thank-you cards to the custodians in their school, or say thank-you to the garbage collector of your street.

Say thank-you to someone in your home that has done some menial work without being asked.