In 1889 a meeting of socialists and trade unionists declared May 1 as International Workers Day. The idea was to celebrate the contribution of workers to society and to continue to seek proper wages, good working conditions and reasonable hours for them. The day was celebrated in a big way in Communist led countries. In 1955 the Catholic church created the feast of St. Joseph the Worker to be celebrated on May 1. This decision reflects Catholic social teaching, beginning with Rerum Novarum in 1891,which argued strongly for worker’s rights including the right to form unions.
Loving God,
we pray for the workers of our world.
We ask that they be treated justly.
We pray for workers who are being exploited and for those who are forced into what amounts to slave labour.
May they be able to collective argue for changes in their situation.
Amen
By Fr Pat O'Shea - Lower Hutt
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