5/1/14

May 1: Feast of St. Joseph the Worker

Joseph the carpenter in The Nativity Story
Spending some time with these images of St. Joseph the Worker might help us remember and honor him today.  As you'll scroll down, you'll learn of the many people and causes for whom Joseph is the patron saint!

The scripture readings for this feast and the prayers of today's Mass can be found here.

St. Joseph the Worker by John Collier


St Joseph the Worker by John Collier

May 1 is the feast of St. Joseph the Worker.  The "titles" for St. Joseph in the litany below list all those who claim him as a patron and give a description of the various ways in which the Church honors this member of the Holy Family.

St. Joseph is the patron saint of all workers:

Do you know someone who needs a job?  someone who's overworked?  Might we pray for them today...  Think of those workers around the world who are underpaid and abused... Might we pray for them today?  Think of all those whose work benefits you and your comfort, safety and liberty...  Might we pray for them on this feast of St. Joseph the Worker?


St. Joseph the Worker by Michael O'Brien

Litany of St. Joseph

Lord, have mercy
Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy

God our Father in Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.

Good St. Joseph
     Pray for us
Husband of the blessed Virgin Mary
Foster father of our Lord Jesus Christ
Protector of the Mother of God
Faithful Spouse
Example to parents
Pattern of patience
Lover of poverty
Comfort of the troubled
Protector of the Church
Good worker
Good and gentle man
Man of justice
Teacher of virtue
Model of kindness
Loving father

For all fathers
     St. Joseph, pray for them
For all families
For all who are afraid
For all who need work
For all who are overworked
For all tempted to despair
For all tempted by evil
For refugees and orphans
For those condemned to die
For those who are terminally ill
For those at the hour of their death
For those who wait for death
For the old and the alone
For all who work for justice
For all who work for life

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.

Let us pray:

Almighty God, in Your infinite wisdom and love,
You chose Joseph to be the husband of Mary,
the mother of your Son.
As we enjoy his protection on earth,
may we have the help of his prayers in heaven.
We ask you this through Christ our Lord.

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