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This is one of my favorite pictures of the Holy Family and I think it is very appropriate for today’s feast, Joseph the Worker.

During pregnancy, childbirth and then nursing, Mr. Pete stepped in many times to fulfill his role as worker, but then also to allow me to fulfill my role as mother.

I think that is why on the first day of May, a month where we honor Mary, we give a nod to St. Joseph. And that’s as it should be. Joseph, blessed spouse and beloved foster father made it easier for Mary to fulfill her role as mother and homemaker. His work as a carpenter sustained the family.

I think I like this picture also because it looks real- Mary has the bleary eyed look of a new nursing mother, and St. Joseph is perspiring and working hard on his carpentry project.

What a wonderful feast in the liturgical year and a good day to remember the husbands and fathers in our own little domestic churches.
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Childhood of Christ – by HONTHORST, Gerrit van – from The Hermitage, Saint Petersburg

O Glorious St. Joseph, model of all those who are devoted to labor, obtain for me the grace to work conscientiously, putting the call of duty above my natural inclinations, to work with gratitude and joy, in a spirit of penance for the remission of my sins, considering it an honor to employ and develop by means of labor the gifts received from God, to work with order, peace, moderation and patience, without ever shrinking from weariness and difficulties, to work above all with purity of intention and detachment from self, having always death before my eyes and the account that I must render of time lost, of talents wasted, of good omitted, of vain complacency in success, so fatal to the work of God.
All for Jesus, all through Mary, all after thine example, O Patriarch, St. Joseph. Such shall be my watch-word in life and in death.
– Composed by St. Pius X

See my St. Joseph links on del.icio.us

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