May 1: Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker

Memorare to Saint Joseph

Remember, O most chaste spouse of the Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who implored your help and sought your intercession were left unassisted.
Full of confidence in your power I fly unto you and beg your protection.
Despise not O Guardian of the Redeemer my humble supplication, but in your bounty, hear and answer me. Amen.

Invocation to the Holy Family

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I give Thee my heart and my soul.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph assist me in my last agony.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph, may I breathe out my soul in peace with Thee!

Prayer to Saint Joseph the Worker

Glorious St. Joseph, model of all who devote their lives to labor, obtain for me the grace to work in the spirit of penance in order thereby to atone for my many sins; to work conscientiously, setting devotion to duty in preference to my own whims; to work with thankfulness and joy, deeming it an honor to employ and to develop by my labor the gifts I have received from God; to work with order, peace, moderation, and patience, without ever shrinking from weariness and difficulties; to work above all with a pure intention and with detachment from self, having always before my eyes the hour of death and the accounting which I must then render of time ill spent, of talents wasted, of good omitted, and of vain complacency in success, which is so fatal to the work of God.

All for Jesus, all through Mary, all in imitation of you, O Patriarch Joseph!
This shall be my motto in life and in death. Amen.

The “Memorare to Saint Joseph” is a powerful and evocative prayer that invokes the intercession of Saint Joseph, the chaste spouse of the Virgin Mary and the earthly guardian of Jesus Christ. This prayer is steeped in a rich tradition of faith, expressing a profound sense of trust and reliance on Saint Joseph’s guidance and protection.

The prayer begins by reminding the faithful of the unwavering assistance that Saint Joseph has provided to those who seek his help throughout history. It highlights his role as a compassionate intercessor who has never failed to support those who come to him in need. This introduction serves to reinforce the believer’s confidence in Saint Joseph’s ability to provide aid.

As the prayer progresses, it articulates a heartfelt plea for Saint Joseph’s protection, demonstrating the petitioner’s deep faith in his powerful intercession. The supplicant approaches Saint Joseph with a sense of urgency and humility, beseeching his guardianship and aid.

The closing lines of the prayer appeal to Saint Joseph not to disregard the petitioner’s requests but to respond generously. The invocation concludes with a simple yet profound “Amen,” affirming the believer’s faith and hope in Saint Joseph’s benevolent response.

This prayer is commonly used by those seeking comfort and assistance in times of uncertainty or need, making it a fitting addition to any religious blog or website dedicated to spiritual growth and devotion.

Happy Feast of St. Joseph the Worker! Established by Pope Pius XII in 1955, this special day on May 1st honors Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, as a model of dignity in labor and patron of workers worldwide. This feast was introduced amid the Cold War to emphasize the value of spirituality and ethics in work, countering the secular celebrations of labor on May Day. As we celebrate this day, let’s remember the importance of hard work and the sanctity it brings to our lives. Wishing everyone a joyful and blessed Feast of St. Joseph the Worker!

The Prayer to Saint Joseph for Working People, composed by Pope Pius X, is a profound invocation asking for the intercession of Saint Joseph in all matters of labor. It emphasizes working with a spirit of penance, conscientiousness, and joy, considering labor as a means to develop the gifts received from God. The prayer also stresses the importance of working with detachment from self, keeping in mind the eventual accountability at the hour of death. This prayer is meant to inspire individuals to emulate the virtues of Saint Joseph in their daily work, aiming for spiritual growth through their professional and personal endeavors.