Novena to St Joseph the Worker – 23 April
Work positively affects the worker’s family, the whole of society and the worker personally. “It forms the person in the process of transforming things; it humanises and spiritualises the person in the process of modifying material objects. And finally, it draws men together in the purusit of a goal that is visible to all and in the construction of the world in which they are called to live” (Louis Lavelle).
Thus when a worker offers to God not only the firstfruits of his labour but his labour itself, human labour “can become a great liturgy of worship” (M D Philippe).
Day Two
Let us Pray:
Glorious St Hoseph,
foster-father and protector of Jesus Christ,
spouse of the blessed Virgin Mary the Mother of God,
powerful protector of the Holy Church,
to you do I raise my heart and implore your powerful intercession.
You gave yourself completely to the Saviour,
it was cause for joy to pray, to work, to sacrifice yourself,
to suffer, to die for Him.
You were unknown in this world even though Jesus knew you very well,
He would look at your simple and hidden life with love.
We are called to contribute by our diligient industry
to the unfolding of the Creator’s plan in history.
Protect the rights of all workers.
Enable people to find work that befits their dignity.
Do not let those who are unemployed become discouraged
but them them in finding fitting employment.
May I too approach my work as an act of worship.
United in your powerful intercession,
I offer you my intentions
(make your intention)
I commend to your fatherly solicitude this specific task.
I am placing it in your hands.
I ask for the grace to never separate myself from God,
to know Christ ant love Him even more and His blessed Mother,
and to always live in the presence of God,
to do all for His glory and the good of other souls
and one day to reach the beatific vision of God
to praise Him eternally with you. Amen.
AnaStpaul 