The Unique History of St. Joseph the Worker’s Feast Day Every Catholic Should Know

Instituted in 1955 by Ven. Pope Pius XII in order to counteract the Communist 'Labour Day' or 'International Workers’ Day' celebrated on May Day.

From ChurchPOP

By Caroline Perkins

Do you know the unique history behind St. Joseph the Worker’s feast day?

This feast is celebrated on May 1st each year by the Catholic Church. It is set apart as a celebration of the life and work of St. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus Christ.

The origins of this feast day can be traced back to the early 20th century.

Pope Pius XII instituted it in 1955 to coincide with International Workers’ Day, a day dedicated to the secular celebration of labor and workers’ rights.

However, the Holy Father recognized the misplaced role of work in society at the time and believed there was a growing threat of communist and socialist ideals against the dignity of workers and family life.

The devotion to St. Joseph as a worker dates back to the Middle Ages, when Catholic theologians and writers began to emphasize the role of St. Joseph as a model of humility, hard work, and dedication.

St. Joseph was not only the foster father of Jesus, but he was also a carpenter by trade.

He worked tirelessly to provide for his family and taught Jesus the skills he needed to become a carpenter as well. He was a faithful and hardworking man, who lived a life of service to God and his family.

In the 19th century, the Catholic Church began to promote the devotion to Saint Joseph the Worker, with Pope Leo XIII issuing an encyclical on the subject in 1889.

You can read the full encyclical here.

He emphasized the importance of Saint Joseph as a model of Christian living, stating that “Joseph became the guardian, the administrator, and the defender of the divine house whose chief he was.”

The feast day of Saint Joseph the Worker has become an important day for Catholics around the world.

It is a day to celebrate the dignity of work and the contributions that workers make to society. It is also a day to reflect on the example of Saint Joseph, who worked tirelessly to provide for his family and to serve God.

In addition to the feast day, there are numerous prayers dedicated to Saint Joseph the Worker. The faithful often turn to his intercession in matters related to work, employment, and financial stability!

Here is one of my favorite prayers to St. Joseph the Worker:

God our Father, Creator and Ruler of the universe,
in every age you call us to use and develop our gifts
for the good of others.

With St. Joseph as our guide,
help us to do the work you have asked
and come to the rewards you have promised.
Please grant this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Prayer source: Shrine of St. Joseph the Worker

The feast day of St. Joseph the Worker reminds us of the importance of work in the lives of individuals and society as a whole, and encourages Catholics to strive for excellence in their work, and to use their talents and abilities to serve others.

And here is the prayer from the Roman Missal for the Feast

God, Creator of all things, who didst lay on the human race the law of labour: graciously grant; that by following the example of Saint Joseph and under his patronage, we may carry out the work thou dost command, and obtain the reward thou dost promise.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
℟. Amen.

St. Joseph the Worker, pray for us!