Ven. Pope Pius XII, Address, 1 May 1955: St Joseph is the best
protector to help you in your life, to penetrate the spirit of the Gospel.
Indeed, from the Heart of the God-Man, Savior of the world, this spirit is
infused in you and in all men, but it is certain that there was no worker’s
spirit so perfectly and deeply penetrated as the putative father of Jesus, who
lived with him in the closest intimacy and community of family and work. So, if
you want to be close to Christ, I repeat to you "Ite ad Ioseph”: Go to
Joseph!
O
glorious Patriarch, Saint Joseph, humble and just artisan of Nazareth, thou
hast given to all Christians and particularly to us an example of a perfect
life through diligent labor and admirable union with Jesus and Mary. Assist us
in our daily work in order that we, Catholic artisans, may also see in it an
effective means of glorifying God, of sanctifying ourselves, and of being a
useful member in the society in which we live. These should be the highest
ideals for all our actions.
O
dearest Protector, obtain for us from the Lord humility and simplicity of
heart, love for our work and kindness towards our fellow-laborers; conformity
to God's will in the unavoidable trials of this life together with joy in
bearing them; recognition of our specific social mission and a sense of
responsibility; the spirit and discipline and prayer; docility and
respectfulness towards superiors; the spirit of brotherhood towards our equals;
charity and indulgence with our dependents.
Accompany
us in times of prosperity when the opportunity is given for an honest enjoyment
of the fruits of our labors; sustain us in our hours of sadness, when Heaven
seems to be shut in our regard, and even the very tools with which our hands
toil appear to rebel against us.
Grant
that, in imitation of thee, we may keep our eyes fixed on our Mother, Mary, thy
dearest Spouse, who as she spun silently in a corner of thy shop would let the
sweetest smile course over her lips. Besides, may we never take our eyes off
Jesus, Who was busily occupied with thee at the carpenter’s bench, in order
that we in like manner may lead on earth a peaceful and a holy life, a prelude
to the life of eternal happiness that awaits us in Heaven forever and ever. + Amen.
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