Artwork
by Ade Bethune
May 1 -- Memorial of St. Joseph the Worker
Today's feast day calls us to reflect on the value of work and advocate for the rights of workers. Read about the origins of this feast day at AmericanCatholic.org's Saint of the Day website.
Today we also remember the unemployed, all those seeking jobs, and -- in a special way -- all those who have died in the desert in a desperate attempt to find work in the U.S.
From the Center of Concern's Education for Justice website:
Prayer to St. Joseph, Patron of Workers
St. Joseph, Patron of Workers,
Help us to respect the dignity of all workers.
Help us to learn about and to care about
Workers who do not have fair wages, just benefits, safe working environments.
Help us to raise our voices for justice for workers.
Help us to ask our government and our representatives
To develop policies that create jobs with dignity.
You taught your son
The value of work and the joy of work well done.
Teach us these lessons.
Guide us in our own work
And in the work of justice we are all called to participate in.
Renew our strength and commitment
Each day as we face the work ahead
As we labor for the common good of all.
+ Amen.
