Devotion to St. Joseph: a prayer to help find work
Joseph, Mary's biblical husband and the human father of Jesus, was a professional carpenter, and therefore has always been considered the patron saint of workers, both in Catholic and Protestant traditions.
Catholics believe that patron saints, having already ascended into heaven or on the metaphysical plane, are able to intercede or help with divine help for the special needs required of the person praying for assistance.
Feast of Saint Joseph Worker
In 1955, Pope Pius XII declared May 1st - already a world day of celebration (International Workers 'Day or May XNUMXst) of workers' efforts - to be the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker. This feast day reflects the status that St. Joseph holds as a model for humble and dedicated workers.
In the new Church calendar published in 1969, the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, which had once occupied the highest possible rank on the Church calendar, was reduced to an optional memorial, the lowest grade for a saint's day.
San Giuseppe
The feast of San Giuseppe, celebrated on March 19, should not be confused with the feast of San Giuseppe Lavoratore. The May 1st celebration focuses solely on Joseph's legacy as a model for the workers.
St. Joseph's day is the main patron day for Poland and Canada, people named Joseph and Josephine, and for religious institutes, schools and parishes that bear the name of Joseph, and for carpenters.
Stories about Joseph as father, husband and brother often underscore his patience and hard work in the face of adversity. St. Joseph's Day is also Father's Day in some Catholic countries, mainly Spain, Portugal and Italy.
Prayers to Saint Joseph
Numerous important prayers for Saint Joseph the Worker are available, many of which are appropriate for praying during the feast of Saint Joseph.
A novena is an ancient tradition of devotional prayer in Catholicism repeated for nine consecutive days or weeks. During a novena, the person praying petitions, begs favors and asks for the intercession of the Virgin Mary or the saints. People can express love and honor by kneeling, burning candles or placing flowers in front of the statue of the patron saint.
A novena in San Giuseppe il Lavoratore is suitable for those moments when you have an important project or assignment in progress that you are having problems completing. You can also pray to Saint Joseph for help. Prayer asks God to instill in you the same patience and diligence associated with St. Joseph.
O God, the Creator of all things, you have laid down the law of work on the human race. Grant, we implore you that, with the example and protection of St. Joseph, we can do the work that you command and obtain the reward that you promise. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
St. Joseph is also considered the patron of a happy death. In one of the nine prayers at St. Joseph, the prayer says: “How fitting it was that at the time of your death Jesus was at your bedside with Mary, the sweetness and hope of all humanity. You have given your whole life to the service of Jesus and Mary “.