The journey is as important as the destination—an adage that rings ever more true after our past year of enormous sacrifice. So many heroes, caregivers, and prayer—givers dedicated themselves to the healing. Their work has been a special calling, and we are grateful for all they do. They exemplify for me the value and dignity of all work—by the sung and unsung, the known and the unknown.

Yesterday was the feast day of St. Joseph the Worker, our steadfast model of the man who understood the dignity of work. He underscores by example the contribution we can each make to the well-being of our communities when we use our God-given skills for the greater good.

Some call Joseph the Silent Saint. But through his work he was more than eloquent. Joseph provided for his family with the skills of a carpenter and the devotion of a husband and father who understood he had a noble role to fulfill. In recognition of Joseph’s special calling, the Church celebrates the dignity of all work on May 1.

Joseph taught us that work is the way we participate in the creative life of God our Father. Through our work-offering, whatever and wherever that might be… in an office, in our homes, caring for a loved one, tutoring a child… we are cooperating with God in bringing about the fullness of creation.

Friend, work-offerings in union with the Gospel are the way we build God’s kingdom on earth—the very deeds that St. Paul talks about. Whether you are an active worker or retiree, the dignity of your mission work is the real centerpiece of your life: witnessing the Gospel in all you do—in words and deeds—to strengthen the vine and branches of our faith. On the feast day of the Silent Saint, may St. Joseph the Worker bless your journey.