1 – 4 May 2025

Celebration of Workers

To correspond with the Jubilee of Workers in Rome ~ The Jubilee of Workers will be held from Thursday 1st to Sunday 4th May.

SPIRITUAL REFLECTION

The Jubilee of Workers reminds us that we are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers and have a responsibility to ensure that the dignity of all workers across all sectors is upheld. “Let us recommit ourselves to building together a society that honors the human dignity of all who labour. Through the treasure of Catholic social teaching, we have a long history of proclaiming the essential role labor plays in helping people to live out their human dignity” (USCCB Labour Day Statement 2024).

This Jubilee Year is an opportunity to celebrate God’s love and mercy in our world. We pray that we will be strengthened by this experience of God’s love to pursue economic reality that allows all people to participate and to thrive. Respect for workers is an important and long held aspect of the Church’s social tradition.

For more than a century, popes have issued encyclical letters explaining the social teaching of the Church. Pope Leo XIII’s landmark encyclical, Rerum Novarum, helped lay the foundation for the modern-day social tradition of the Church, which condemned the unjust distribution of wealth created in the early industrial revolution, defended the right of every worker to a living wage and promoted the right of workers to form trade unions and collectively bargain for their rights on the job. Subsequent popes continued the thread of social teaching about the important rights of workers, and on their right to organize in labour unions.

In anticipation of the days celebrating the Jubilee of Workers, set within this yearlong celebration of hope, we remember the encouragement of Pope Francis, “We live in an era that, despite technological advances—and sometimes precisely because of that perverse system defined as technocracy (cf. Laudato Si', 106-114)—has to some extent disappointed expectations of justice in the labour sphere. And this calls first of all for a fresh start in the value of labour, as a place where personal vocation and the social dimension meet. Working allows the person to realize him or herself, to experience fraternity, to cultivate social friendship and to improve the world” (Address of Pope Francis to managers and delegates of the Italian General Confederation of Labour).

As the Holy Father says, in our society today, the relationship between humanity and work has been turned upside down from how God intended; we have come to believe that humankind was made for work, instead of work for humankind. Work, at its best, allows us to meaningfully contribute to the wider society, while also providing sufficiently for our individual and family needs. Work has dignity because we have dignity as creatures made in God’s divine image. Through our work both in and outside of the home, we enter into God’s creative enterprise. Living out our vocation gives glory to God. However, when our humanity and dignity is disrespected—or even exploited—in the workplace, God grieves with us. This occurs when wages are withheld, workers are mistreated or underpaid, and safety is threatened. Our celebration of the dignity of work calls us to think about how the decisions we make every day might support a just economy and workplace for all those who have a hand in creating the goods we consume. In this Jubilee Year, we find an opportunity to remember the appropriate place of work in our lives and recommit to working together for dignified work for all our sisters and brothers.

KEY SAINTS AND BLESSEDS

Holy Companions for Workers and those working to uphold the dignity of work

St. Joseph the Worker (c. 1st century BC-1st century AD, feast days March 19 and May 1), Husband of Mary and earthly father of Jesus. Joseph was known to be a humble carpenter who provided for his family by the work of his hands. In 1955, Pope Pius XII declared May 1 as an additional feast day honoring St. Joseph, recognizing that May 1 Is also celebrated internationally as International Workers’ Day.
St. Zita (1212-1278, feast day April 27), patron saint of domestic workers. Though born into a poor, Italian family, Zita saw her work as a way to glorify God and therefore dutifully fulfilled her work tasks with joy and dedication, while making time for daily Mass and prayer. St. Zita was canonized in 1696 by Pope Innocent XII.
St. Notburga (ca. 1264-ca. 1313, feast day September 13), patron saint of poor peasants and servants. Canonized by Pope Pius IX in 1862, Notburga is known for her dedication to the poor, even at the cost of her job. Poor herself, she became a servant for Count Henry of Rattenberg but was dismissed when she disobeyed orders and gave leftovers to the poor. Her life was marked by a spirit of humble service.
Blessed Fr. Anton Maria Schwartz (1852-1928, anniversary of death September 15), Founder of the Congregation for the Devout Workers of St. Joseph Calasanz and the Catholic Apprentices’ Association. Beatified by Pope St. John Paul II in 1998, Bl. Anton Schwartz dedicated his life and priesthood in Austria to the service of the poor and vulnerable, particularly to factory workers enduring horrific conditions. His work preceded and embodied the message of Rerum Novarum (1891), the first social encyclical by Pope Leo XII on the dignity of work.
Servant of God Dorothy Day (1897-1980), Co Founder, Catholic Worker Movement. A convert to Catholicism upon the birth of her daughter, Tamar, Dorothy Day dedicated her life fighting for justice for those without housing in New York City and co founded, along with Peter Maurin, both a Catholic Worker newspaper and a community by the same name that became a movement founded on the tenets of radical hospitality, nonviolence, and return to the land. Day's life was marked by fidelity to the Scriptures, voluntary poverty, the works of mercy and work for peace and justice. Her cause for canonization is currently under way.
St. Alberto Hurtado, SJ (1901-1952, feast day August 18), patron of laborers and founder, Hogar de Cristo. Beatified by Pope St. John Paul II in 1994 and canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in 2005, Alberto Hurtado remains beloved among the people of Chile for his work to establish the Trade Union Association of Chile, as well as Hogar de Cristo, an organization for poor and abandoned youth.
César Chávez (1927-1963, commemorated annually on March 31), Founder, United Farm Worker Movement. César Chávez organized the first successful union of farmworkers in U.S. history. He was not only one of the great labor leaders of this century, he was also a heroic example of Catholic moral leadership, striving throughout his life to secure just treatment for migrant workers.

PRAYERS

Prayer for the Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers

Lord God, Master of the Vineyard,

How wonderful that you have invited us who labour

by the sweat of our brow to be workers in the vineyard

and assist your work to shape the world around us.

As we seek to respond to this call,

make us attentive to those who seek work but cannot find it.

Help us listen to the struggles of those who work hard

to provide for their families but still have trouble making ends meet.

Open our eyes to the struggles of those exploited

and help us speak for just wages and safe conditions,

the freedom to organize, and time for renewal.

For work was made for humankind and not humankind for work.

Let it not be a vehicle for exploitation

but a radiant expression of our human dignity.

Give all who labour listening hearts

that we may pause from our work to receive your gift of rest.

Fill us with your Holy Spirit that you might work through us

to let your justice reign. Amen.

Pope Francis, Prayer during Meeting with Workers

"Lord God look down upon us!

Look at this city . . .

Look upon our families.

Lord, you were not without a job,

you were a carpenter,

you were happy.

Lord, we have no work.

The idols want to rob us of our dignity.

The unjust systems want to rob us of hope.

Lord, do not leave us on our own.

Help us to help each other;

so that we forget our selfishness a little and feel in our heart the 'we',

the we of a people who want to keep on going.

Lord Jesus, you were never out of work,

give us work, and teach us to fight for work and bless us all.

In the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

Give me honesty and patience;

So that I can work with other workers.

Bring forth song and celebration;

So that the spirit will be alive among us.

Let the spirit flourish and grow;

So we will never tire of the struggle.

Let us remember those who have died for justice;

For they have given us life.

Help us love even those who hate us;

So we can change the world.

(Pope Francis, Meeting with Workers, September 22, 2013)

Sample Prayers of the Faithful

We pray for a renewal of spirit for the men and women who work in jobs that ignore the dignity of their personhood. We pray to the Lord.

We pray for all essential workers who labour in the agricultural, manufacturing, and public service sectors. That they are provided safe working conditions and access to affordable healthcare. We pray to the Lord.

We pray for the men and women who have recently lost employment. We pray for their continued perseverance and determination as they continue to seek ways in which to participate in God’s creative work. We pray to the Lord.

We pray for the men and women who own companies, who lead companies, and who make decisions regarding safe work conditions and adequate wages. We pray that these leaders will act in the best interests of their labourers. We pray to the Lord.

We pray that as we are reminded that it is right and just to receive a fair wage for work, we may strive to promote dignity and respect for all in the workplace. We pray to the Lord.

We pray for those who have lost their lives while working, that they might be welcomed into the heavenly kingdom; and for their families, that they might be comforted and find security. We pray to the Lord.

Message from the World Movement of Christian Workers (WMCW) on the World Day for Decent Work 2024

The promotion of social justice and an economy for life to which our movement is committed for the next 4 years is only possible if every man and woman has access to decent work, i.e. a job, appropriate remuneration (in cash or in kind), safety at work and healthy working conditions. Unfortunately, trends in the current global political situation seem intent on wiping out the few gains and small steps made so far in terms of personal rights and freedoms. The spectacular rise to power of extreme right-wing parties poses an unprecedented threat to the values of democracy, the rule of law, equality and fairness.

On the celebration of the World Day for Decent Work on October 7, 2024, we join the movements of Europe in their declaration against the rise to power of extreme right-wing parties and their effects on the enjoyment of personal rights and decent work.

For democracy and human rights

It is with great concern that we, the member organizations of the WBCA, observe the resurgence of right-wing populist and even extremist politics in many of our countries. Workers, ordinary employees, and those in precarious living conditions are increasingly drawn to the inhumane rhetoric of neo- and post-fascist parties worldwide. Alarmingly, even some trade union members are expressing sympathies. We firmly believe that turning to right-wing populism and extremism is incompatible with the dignity of working people.

Almost all parties on the right of the political spectrum advocate for extremely neoliberal economic and financial policies. They cater to top earners and the super-rich while denying the social responsibilities of property, especially large fortunes. Their ideology includes a belief in the power of the market and a rejection of the welfare state's responsibilities. People who, for various reasons, are only able to work to a limited extent are systematically defamed, as are migrant workers. Internationally, the nationalism and economic self-interest that these parties hold as their highest principles lead to ruthless global competition for the lowest labor costs. Those who vote for them are voting against their own dignity and rejecting the international solidarity to which Christians are called to.

The seduction of people into contempt for humanity and self-harm echoes the warning given by Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew: "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes!" (Matthew 18:6-7).

We strongly emphasize that, for our movements, respect for human dignity, democracy, and the rule of law are fundamental prerequisites for a just and humane society. We believe that the reason so many people are drawn to these ideologies is that a large number of our fellow citizens, burdened by worries about the future and material hardship, are no longer recognized by politicians and are even deliberately ignored. Right-wing populism and extremism thrive on a toxic mix of frustration and protest against poor crisis management by many governments. This makes the so-called "simple solutions" propagated by figures like Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, Marine Le Pen, and many other populists all the more attractive in this era of accelerated climate change, constant threats to global peace, and far-reaching economic transformations. They weaken and destroy the rule of law and democracy, thereby permanently damaging the conditions necessary for the growth of social justice, which is essential for decent work.

As Christian workers, our calling is to build and shape a society where every person can live and work with dignity. We are convinced that a policy that serves democracy and fundamental rights is rooted in a willingness to compromise, the ability to integrate, and the will to overcome political differences and cultural differences. Therefore, as followers of Jesus Christ, we dedicate ourselves with all our strength to the protection and further development of democracy. Together with all political and civil society forces of "good will," we fight for a democratic global community committed to the dignity of all people and their work.

Message written by Stefan-B. Eirich

Glastonbury Shrine25 April 2025