St. Joseph the Worker, celebrated on May 1, honors the patronage of St. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus and the husband of the Virgin Mary. This feast day was instituted by Pope Pius XII in 1955 to emphasize the dignity of human labor and to offer a Christian perspective on work. It highlights Joseph’s role as a humble carpenter, reflecting hard work, dedication, and responsibility. St. Joseph is seen as a model for workers, embodying integrity, simplicity, and trust in God. The day calls attention to the sanctity of labor and the value of every honest job done in faith.
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has decreed that this is a Holy Day of Memorial (Optional) to be observed in Canada.