Childhood of Christ by Gerrit van Honthorst
CV NEWS FEED // The Wisconsin State Legislature has passed a resolution establishing May 1 as St. Joseph the Worker Day, coinciding with the Catholic Church’s observance of the feast day honoring the patron saint of workers.
On April 22, Wisconsin adopted Senate Joint Resolution 16, aligning its language and spirit with Louisiana’s Senate Resolution 116, which was the first in the nation to recognize May 1 in honor of St. Joseph the Worker, according to an emailed press release from HBW Resource. The move uplifts not only the contributions of laborers across industries but also the spiritual significance of work as a sacred calling.
“Wisconsin is proud to join Louisiana in recognizing St. Joseph the Worker Day, a tribute to the hardworking men and women who are the backbone of our economy,” lead sponsor Sen. Cory Tomczyk, R-Wis., said. “This resolution honors the resilience, dedication, and tireless spirit of our workforce, reflecting the timeless virtues of St. Joseph that guide workers in their daily endeavors.”
Louisiana’s original resolution, led by former Sen. Fred Mills Jr., was the fruit of a four-year grassroots movement involving civic leaders and faithful Catholics. Each year, Louisiana gathers more than 250 workers, community members, and faith leaders for a celebratory prayer breakfast. Attendees include military personnel, energy workers, educators, health care providers, fishermen, and mothers.
Father Donald Calloway, MIC, author of Consecration to St. Joseph, alongside Father Michael Champagne, CJC, Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel of Lafayette, Jennifer P. Angelle, president of Angel Publishing, and former Lt. Gov. Scott A. Angelle, collaborated on Louisiana’s resolution.
“This celebration sprung from the fruits of the 2021 worldwide ‘Year of St. Joseph,’” Fr. Calloway noted. “This grass-roots effort promotes great virtues, strong work ethic, and zeal. I applaud Louisiana and now Wisconsin for leading the way, and I am hopeful that other states will initiate May 1 celebrations in their schools, workplaces, and communities.”
“Louisiana’s working men and women deserve recognition for their daily contributions,” reflected former Lt. Gov. Angelle, who helped pass the resolution. “It is appropriate we call a time out to celebrate and elevate the working men and women of our nation that answer the alarm clock daily, get out of bed, and set out to do the hard work of providing for their families and communities in the virtues of St. Joseph.”
The celebration also resonates personally for leaders like Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer.
Recalling working on boats and rigs through school, he said, “There is immense value and dignity in all work, and recognizing those who labor is most appropriate.”
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