St. Joseph the Worker

Today is the feast of St. Joseph the Worker. Pope Pius XII established this feast in 1955 to counter the “May Day” celebrations backed by the Communists world-wide. 35 years before, Pius XII’s predecessor, Pope Benedict XV, issued a document in which he warned the faithful of Socialism and Marxism, who were targeting workers. So, Benedict entrusted workers to the care of St. Joseph and encouraged devotion to him. As Benedict XV warned, “If implemented, these features (of the socialist program) will lead to terrible social convulsions, like those which are already happening … therefore…to save souls from Socialism, the sworn enemy of Christian principles, we recommend with great concern devotion to St. Joseph, to follow him as guide and to receive the special honor of his heavenly patronage” (Bonum Sane, July 1920). St. Joseph, we honor you today not only as a worker, but as protector of fatherhood, and families as well; to save us from the lies of Satan, who attacks these things today with great ferocity. Holy Family, be our victors!