Daily Meditation for May 1, 2026

May has traditionally been dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus, but in 1955 Pope Pius XII proclaimed May 1 as the day dedicated to St. Joseph the Worker. Joseph, the spouse of Mary and foster father of Jesus, who gave his labor, affection, and listening heart to the protection of his holy family. May first had been celebrated for some years as the International Workers’ Day and the pontiff wanted to draw attention to the dignity of all work.  St. Joseph’s life is an example of the dignity of humble work. On this day when we pause to honor work, let us bow our heads in deep respect for all those unsung and uncelebrated volunteer workers among us who care for those who live on the margins of our world. We salute and give thanks to those unpaid crusaders who care for mother earth, and all her fuzzy and beautiful creatures.

By Judy Kramer, OSB