“Dear Brothers and Sisters: On this first day of May,
Mary’s month, we celebrate the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker. Joseph, the
carpenter of Nazareth, reminds us of the dignity and importance of labour. Work
is part of God’s plan for the world; by responsibly cultivating the goods of
creation, we grow in dignity as men and women made in God’s image. For this
reason, the problem of unemployment urgently demands greater social solidarity
and wise and just policies. I also encourage the many young people present to
look to the future with hope, and to invest themselves fully in their studies,
their work and their relationships with others. Saint Joseph, as a model of
quiet prayer and closeness to Jesus, also invites us to think about the time we
devote to prayer each day. In this month of May, the Rosary naturally comes to
mind as a way to contemplate the mysteries of Christ’s life. May Saint Joseph
and the Virgin Mary help us to be faithful in our daily work and to lift up our
minds and hearts to Jesus in prayer.”
His Holiness Pope Francis
1 May 2013 General Audience, English Summary
For more information, please visit:
http://www.news.va/en/news/audience-on-may-1st-an-appeal-against-slave-labor
O God, Creator of all things, who laid down for the human race the law of
work, graciously grant that by the example of Saint Joseph and under his
patronage we may complete the works you set us to do and attain the rewards you
promise.
Memorial of Saint Joseph the Worker
Collect
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Over a year ago I suddenly
and expectedly experienced being unemployed after more than twenty-one (21)
years of doing work that I loved and which helped to provide for our
family. During this time I have been
blessed to be able to prayerfully and continually discern what is God’s will
for my life. This process has been aided
in no small way by the gracious support of family, friends, and sometimes
strangers, perhaps angels in disguise. Some
doors have opened, other doors have closed, but ultimately it seems that God is
showing me a range of possibilities for new and different “work” which I would
have not previously considered. God is certainly
revealing His plan for me, and though I am not always patient with His unhurried
timing, I am excited and energized with the opportunities He has placed before
me.
God bless you for your
prayerful support and encouragement!
Please join me in prayer today especially for all those who are
unemployed or underemployed. May Saint
Joseph help all of us to do the work which God entrusts specifically to us.
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