Each year on May 1, Catholics and many others celebrate the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, honoring the humble carpenter who raised Jesus. Pope Pius XII established this feast in 1955 to coincide with International Workers’ Day, highlighting the dignity of labor, rooted in Eden and our cooperation with the Creator, and St. Joseph as the patron of all working people.
For believers and non-believers alike, Joseph stands as a timeless model of quiet diligence and faithful service – a simple man who achieved greatness not through wealth or fame, but through steadfast love and hard work. This year, the feast carries special poignancy as it’s the first since the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, a pope who not only deeply revered St. Joseph but also mirrored his work ethic in remarkable ways.
Pope Francis’ devotion to his “Dearest Friend”
From the very start of his papacy, Pope Francis displayed a heartfelt devotion to St. Joseph. His inaugural Mass fell on March 19, 2013 -- St. Joseph’s Day -- and he entrusted his new ministry to Joseph’s care. Over the years, Francis often referred to St. Joseph as one of his closest companions in faith, even calling him his “dearest friend” in heaven.
In 2020, Pope Francis proclaimed a special Year of St. Joseph, commemorating the 150th anniversary of Joseph’s declaration as patron of the universal Church. He marked it by writing Patris corde (“With a Father’s Heart”), a moving letter in which he described Joseph’s tenderness, courage, and loving fatherhood.
Notably, Francis also ensured St. Joseph’s name was added to the Eucharistic prayers at Mass -- a small but meaningful change that reflected the Pope’s desire for the whole Church to call on Joseph’s guidance at every liturgy. These gestures, both grand and subtle, grew from a personal devotion: Pope Francis had prayed to St. Joseph every single day for over 40 years, relying on “this friend, this father, this guardian” for strength.
One of the most vivid symbols of Pope Francis’ devotion was the little statue of St. Joseph asleep that he kept on his work desk. “On my desk, I have an image of St. Joseph sleeping. Even when he is asleep, he looks after the Church,” Francis once explained.
With a smile, Francis recounted that “when I have a problem, a difficulty, I write a little note and I put it underneath St. Joseph … I tell him: pray for this problem!” It was a charming ritual of a leader who knew he couldn’t shoulder burdens alone. By entrusting his worries to Joseph, the Pope showed not only his deep spiritual friendship with the saint but also his own humility in leadership.
Mirroring St. Joseph’s humility and diligence
Pope Francis often echoed St. Joseph’s quiet virtues through his own work ethic and daily habits. Like Joseph -- who never uttered a word in Scripture yet spoke volumes through actions -- Francis led with humble deeds more than grand speeches. He lived in the simple Vatican guesthouse instead of the ornate papal palace, cooked his own meals at times, and found ways to minister to the homeless, such as establishing showers near St. Peter's.
Those close to him observed a man who rose early for prayer and labored long hours with a joyful simplicity, much as the carpenter of Nazareth might open his workshop at dawn. He cherished the value of ordinary work and the people who do it, often reminding the world that dignity comes from honest labor and service, not from power or prestige. In this way, the Pope embodied the spirit of St. Joseph the Worker -- rolling up his sleeves to do whatever God asked, whether it was reforming Church governance or washing the feet of prisoners.
Through all the exhausting journeys and challenges of his papacy, Francis displayed a quiet strength reminiscent of Joseph’s own steadfast courage in caring for Mary and Jesus.
It is easy to note Pope Francis’ gentle fatherliness throughout his pontificate: his protective care for the poor, the vulnerable, and the young. Just as Joseph shielded his family in times of trouble, Pope Francis became a guardian of the most vulnerable. He spoke softly but acted firmly, guided by conscience and compassion. And in moments of personal trial -- from health scares to moments of criticism -- Francis, like Joseph, trusted in God’s providence and carried on without fanfare.
It could be said that the Pope had the work ethic of a carpenter and the heart of a father, quietly fixing what was broken and lovingly encouraging those around him.
It could be said that the Pope had the work ethic of a carpenter and the heart of a father, quietly fixing what was broken and lovingly encouraging those around him. Indeed, Francis often joked that St. Joseph worked miracles “even while asleep,” so the Pope figured he should stay calm and let Joseph handle a few things at night! That lighthearted trust empowered him to face each day’s work with serenity and purpose.
A legacy of quiet strength and hope
On this May 1 feast of St. Joseph the Worker, the faithful can find inspiration in the intertwined stories of St. Joseph and Pope Francis. One was a man of the first century, laboring in a Nazareth workshop; the other, a 21st-century pope often called “the world’s parish priest,” laboring in the vineyard of the Lord.
Both taught by example that true greatness is found in humility and faithfulness. Pope Francis’ passing just over a week ago weighs on many hearts, but his legacy shines brightly. In his gentle smile, his tireless service, and his unwavering devotion to St. Joseph, we see the enduring power of quiet holiness.
Pray a Novena to St. Joseph the Worker here.
