St. Joseph The Worker
The Solemnity of St. Joseph, the Husband of Mary, is celebrated by Roman Catholics every year on March 19. But we also celebrate St. Joseph the Worker on May 1. (Same guy, different focus of recognition.) Joseph has always been one of my favorite Biblical figures. His quiet submission to the will of God and his dedication to the Holy Family make him a profound example of a male role model. And the Church, in her wisdom, recognized that his role as a worker is another powerful witness — another reason to honor and celebrate this humble, faithful man.
As I reflected on St. Joseph this May 1, I found myself thinking about work and the workers in my own life. I have always been surrounded by friends and family who understand and respect the value of work. My father was the perfect example of a hard worker. He demonstrated commitment and integrity on every job site. He spent most of his life in the construction industry, and he loved working with his hands and building things. After he got home from his paying job each evening, he went straight outside to work on the ranch with the horses and other animals. That was the work he loved most of all.
It should be no surprise that I was drawn to — and married — another hard‑working man. Leroy has had a job since he was about ten years old. He started off feeding calves before and after elementary school. As he grew older, the responsibilities grew too, and he always rose to the occasion. He loved the cows, and the dairy was truly a labor of love. When the cows left in 2010, he had to learn a new way of working, and once again, he poured himself into the task and found success. He loves his clients and is dedicated to their success.
I am eternally grateful that this hardworking character trait has been passed down through the generations to both Joey and Steel. They are men who serve the people they love through their daily work. They learned early the value of hard work and have proven their character by showing up, day after day.
“Work was the daily expression of love in the life of the Family of Nazareth.” — St. John Paul II
The foundational virtue of hard work is exactly why we celebrate St. Joseph the Worker on May 1. Fathers, in particular, are called to special care and service through their work, and we should honor everyone who answers that call with diligence and dedication.
As I look at the men in my life — my father, my husband, my sons — I see reflections of St. Joseph’s quiet strength. None of them seek applause. None of them make a show of their sacrifices. They simply work, love, provide, and persevere. And in a world that often overlooks the holiness of ordinary labor, their example reminds me that work done with love is never small. It shapes families. It strengthens communities. It honors God. I’m grateful for every man who shows his love not with grand gestures, but with the steady, faithful rhythm of daily work. Their lives preach a Gospel all their own.
This is one of my favorite sacred images. It is titled: Christ In The Home of His Parents or The Carpenter’s Shop by John Everett Millais (1829–1896) - It is full of symbolism and tells a profound story.
