Prayer to St. Joseph the Worker

Saint Joseph was declared to be the patron saint and protector of the Catholic Church by Pope Pius IX in 1870, and is also the patron of several countries and regions. Pope Pius XII in 1955 established the Feast of "St. Joseph the Worker", to be celebrated on May 1st. This date counteracts May Day also known as the International Workers’ Day, a union, workers', and socialists' holiday commemorating the dignity of work and workers. In honor of St. Joseph, I share with you this prayer written by Pope St John XXIII for all workers, especially in commemoration of the feast we celebrate precisely today.  

O glorious Joseph! Who concealed your incomparable and regal dignity of custodian of Jesus and of the Virgin Mary under the humble appearance of a craftsman and provided for them with your work, protect with loving power your sons, especially those entrusted to you. You know their anxieties and sufferings, because you yourself experienced them at the side of Jesus and of His Mother. Do not allow them, oppressed by so many worries, to forget the purpose for which they were created by God. Do not allow the seeds of distrust to take hold of their immortal souls. Remind all the workers that in the fields, in factories, in mines, and in scientific laboratories, they are not working, rejoicing, or suffering alone, but at their side is Jesus, with Mary, His Mother and ours, to sustain them, to dry the sweat of their brow, giving value to their toil. Teach them to turn work into a very high instrument of sanctification as you did. Amen.

The painting by an anonymous artist shows St Joseph the worker at work with baby Jesus on the ground holding a nail, and with a cross as his shadow, predicting his death by crucifixion.