What Does It Mean to Consecrate Yourself to Saint Joseph?

April 16, 2021

To Consecrate Yourself to Saint Joseph means that you acknowledge that he is your spiritual father, and you want to be like him. To show it, you entrust yourself entirely into his paternal care so that he can help you acquire his virtues and be holy. Total Consecration to Saint Joseph means you make a formal act of entrustment to your spiritual father so that he can take care of your spiritual well-being and lead you to God. The person who consecrates themselves to Saint Joseph wants to be as close to their spiritual father as possible, to the point of resembling him in virtue and holiness. Saint Joseph, in turn, will give those consecrated to him his undivided attention, protection, and guidance.

What is the feast of St. Joseph the Worker?

While Saint Joseph’s primary feast day is March 19th, in 1955 Pope Pius XII added a second day on May 1st, celebrated as the Memorial of St. Joseph the Worker. As a carpenter, St. Joseph worked very hard. His manual labor was difficult, and he is a great example to all of us in our daily work. In addition, he is a powerful intercessor for those who are seeking employment.

Why is St. Joseph the Worker on May 1st?

Pope Pius XII instituted this memorial at the beginning of May, Mary’s month, because the dignity of work was being distorted by communism. The Soviet Union proclaimed itself the defender of the workers, utilizing “May Day” to exalt communism and parade its military might. There may even have been some motivation from the message of Fátima, since Our Lady spoke of the errors of Russia that would infect the world if not stopped, and both Mary and Joseph appeared to the children in the last apparition of October 13th, 1917. This purpose remains relevant today.