Counting our blessings

Father Donald Calloway, MIC, took part in successful efforts to convince Louisiana (in 2021) and now Wisconsin to officially recognize today’s feast of St. Joseph the Worker — what a grace! In a time where the rights of workers are forgotten, downplayed, or ignored, how wonderful to celebrate the Foster Father of the Worker of Workers, the greatest carpenter to have ever lived. What wonderful good news!

By Chris Sparks

In the midst of the exhaustingly historic year 2025, it’s worth taking some time to count our blessings.

Yes, we lost Pope Francis on Easter Monday — but he was able to come home from the hospital in time and recovered enough before his death to be able to visit the faithful on Easter Sunday. He died in Easter week, a blessed time to go before the Lord.

Yes, it’s a hard time to be Catholic — but many, many converts and reverts joined us at Easter from some most unexpected places. Secular Europe, especially France and England, saw a surge in converts coming home this Easter.

Yes, the papal funeral and interregnum knocked Bl. Carlo Acutis’ canonization off the schedule — but also what a wonderful signal grace! Of course Carlo would surrender his canonization date for the Holy Father. He gave his final suffering for Pope Benedict and the Church, after all. How incredibly fitting!

Marian achievements
Our very own Fr. James Cervantes, MIC, convinced the bishops of the Philippines to consecrate their whole nation to the Divine Mercy, the very first nation to ever do so — what a grace! What a remarkable achievement!

And closer to home, Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, took part in successful efforts to convince Louisiana (in 2021) and now Wisconsin to officially recognize today’s feast of St. Joseph the Worker — what a grace! In a time where the rights of workers are forgotten, downplayed, or ignored, how wonderful to celebrate the Foster Father of the Worker of Workers, the greatest carpenter to have ever lived. What wonderful good news! Here’s the story [saintjosephtheworker.com]:

The Wisconsin State Legislature has adopted Senate Joint Resolution 16, officially designating May 1 as St. Joseph the Worker Day in Wisconsin. Inspired by Louisiana’s 2021 Senate Resolution 116, Wisconsin embraces the same language and spirit to honor the dignity of all working men and women, celebrating their contributions to families, communities, and the nation.

For the past four years, a dedicated team in Louisiana has championed this movement for workers, rooted in the virtues of St. Joseph. In 2021, Louisiana unanimously passed the nation’s first resolution of its kind, establishing May 1 as St. Joseph the Worker Day. Wisconsin’s initial attempt last year fell short, but on April 22, 2025, they succeeded, adopting similar language through Senate Joint Resolution 16.

Virtues of St. Joseph the Worker
Louisiana’s trailblazing resolution, introduced by former Senator Fred Mills, Jr., recognizes a variety of virtues such as protector, provider, peacefulness, prudence, and prayerfulness exemplified by St. Joseph, the patron saint of workers. Each year, Louisiana celebrates with a prayer breakfast hosted by Senator Fred Mills, USA Energy Workers, LLC, Angel Publishing, Hugs from Heaven, and others. Over 250 workers, faith leaders, and community members gather to honor laborers, including military personnel, educators, first responders, healthcare providers, energy workers, fishermen, farmers, and more, with a special tribute to motherhood. Louisiana anticipates another robust 4th annual celebration on May 1, 2025, co-hosted with Lafayette Mayor-President Monique Blanco Boulet, to continue uplifting its workforce.

Former Lieutenant Governor Scott A. Angelle expressed, “Louisiana’s working men and women deserve recognition for their daily contributions. 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.”

Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel of the Diocese of Lafayette and Fr. Michael Champagne, CJC, jointly stated, “The sacredness of work unites us in purpose and reflects the divine call to serve one another.” 

Their words resonate with those of Fr. Donald H. Calloway, Vicar Provincial and Vocation Director for the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception, a globally renowned speaker and bestselling author of Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father.  He is widely credited for igniting worldwide awareness and devotion to St. Joseph. Fr. Calloway reflected on the effort:

This celebration sprung from the fruits of the 2021 worldwide ‘Year of St. Joseph.’ 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.

Wisconsin’s resolution, introduced by Senators Tomczyk, Jacque, and Marklein, and cosponsored by Representatives Wichgers, Behnke, Donovan, Goodwin, Gundrum, and Murphy, was adopted by the Senate and concurred in by the Assembly on April 22, 2025. 

Dignity of labor
“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,” said Senator Cory Tomczyk  “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. By establishing this day, we celebrate the dignity of labor, foster unity and purpose among our workers, and strengthen Wisconsin’s commitment to a thriving, values-driven workforce.” 

Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer echoed the sentiments, “As someone who grew up working in my father’s service station and later supported myself through college and law school with manual labor on rigs and boats, I learned the value of hard work and the strength and importance of those who dedicate their lives to earning a living and supporting their families. These invaluable life lessons have served me well. There is immense value and dignity in all work, and recognizing those who labor is most appropriate.”

Louisiana’s resolution, a collaboration between Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, Jennifer P. Angelle, President of Angel Publishing, Fr. Michael Champagne, CJC, former Lieutenant Governor Scott A. Angelle, and former Senator Fred Mills, Jr., has sparked a movement now embraced by Wisconsin. Both states encourage media to amplify this historic moment and urge other states to join in celebrating workers each May 1. You can find more information on saintjosephtheworker.com.

Our turn
So as we move into Our Lady’s month of May, beginning with the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, let us continue to count our blessings and be glad. Let us take up the daily Rosary for the month, if we don’t already, and ask the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph for help with all our needs and intentions. And let us pray for the late Holy Father Pope Francis’ repose of the soul, intercede for the cardinals leading our Church during this interregnum, and pray for the conclave to listen to the Holy Spirit and choose whom God indicates for the next Holy Father.

In this Easter season, a season of Divine Mercy, Marian devotion, and remembrance of the whole Church, let us rejoice and be glad!

Saint Joseph the Worker, pray for us!
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