Today, the first day of May, is Labor Day. We Christians place this day under the protection of St. Joseph the Worker. The importance of this event is emphasized by various initiatives that highlight the value of work, through which man fulfills himself as man by transforming nature and adapting it to his own needs. The invitation to “fill the earth and subdue it” (Genesis 1:28) that is extended at the beginning of salvation history is a determining factor in this regard that always has a timeliness to it. Creation is God's gift that he has entrusted to his human creatures because it can provide them with what they need if they carefully cultivate and watch over it.

In a certain way, we might say that man becomes more human through work. For this reason, work is a virtue. But since work actually allows man to become more man, it must always be considered in relationship with the social order of work. It is only under this condition that a person's inalienable dignity and the human and social value of the work activity are safeguarded. We entrust to the protection of St. Joseph the Worker all those people throughout the work who belong to that great family of workers.

The Month of Mary

Today we begin the month that is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, which has a special place in popular devotion. Many parishes and families, in accordance with their strong religious traditions, continue to make the month of May a Marian month through their many fervent liturgical, catechetical and pastoral activities!

May this month be a month of intense prayer with Mary everywhere! This is my wish for each one of you, my dearest brothers and sisters, and I exhort you once again to pray the rosary daily. It is a simple prayer, seemingly repetitive, but so very useful for entering into the mysteries of Christ and his mother — and our mother. It is, at the same time, a way to pray that the Church knows is pleasing to the Virgin Mary herself. We are also called to turn to this prayer during the more difficult moments of our pilgrimage on earth.

As we begin this month dedicated to Mary, I invite all of you to join me in praying for workers, and, in a special way, for all those who are encountering difficulties in their jobs. Moreover, let us intensify our confident and unceasing prayers for peace in the Holy Land, where our wish is that the Israeli and Palestinian people, who are both so dear to my heart, will once again be able to live together in peace and safety as soon as possible. May the intercession of the Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph her spouse, the guardian of our Redeemer, obtain this wish for us.

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In many countries throughout the world, including Italy, May 1 is celebrated as Labor Day — a special holiday for workers. On May 1, 1955, Pope Pius XII formally instituted the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, a day dedicated to the dignity of labor and to honoring workers throughout the world. Pope John Paul II highlighted the importance of this day during his general audience on May 1, which took place in St. Peter's Square. Over 18,000 pilgrims from 17 countries were present.

“Work provides that ‘daily bread’ that we ask for when we pray the Our Father,” the Holy Father pointed out. “Man becomes more human through work. For this reason, work is a virtue.” The Holy Father invited everyone to join with him in praying for workers during the month of May, especially those who are experiencing difficulties in their jobs.

Pope John Paul II also noted the fact that traditionally May is the month specially consecrated to Mary. He exhorted Catholics everywhere to pray the rosary daily, making May “a month of intense prayer with Mary.” Finally, he invited all the faithful to join with him in asking Mary and Joseph to intercede for peace in the Holy Land.