Labor Day

As we observe our annual celebration of Labor Day this weekend, it is important to recall that this is more than a “three-day weekend”.  It is a day on which we recall the important part played in our society by those who make their living and support their families “by the sweat of their brow”.  The first “labor parade” seems to have been held in New York City in 1882, sponsored by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor, two early organizations attempting to stand for the rights of laborers.  Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894.  In the years since, the labor movement in this country, and around the world, has continued to make known and support the rights of workers; not just those who “labor”, but all who have had their rights infringed by their employer.

Holy Mother Church has recognized and advocated for the rights of workers from Biblical times and the Apostolic era.  However, Her more recent advocacy and teaching can be traced to Pope Leo XIII’s ground breaking encyclical, Rerum Novarum, “On Capitol and Labor”, published on May 15, 1891.  Several times over the succeeding years, this teaching has been updated in order to address new challenges and contemporary issues related to capitol and labor.  The Church further encouraged a recognition of the dignity of labor with the establishment of the Solemnity of St. Joseph the Workman on May 1, 1955 by Pope Pius XII.  The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has put together a page of resources for those who would like to better understand the Church's teaching on labor.

So, let us celebrate, this weekend, those who labor.  Let us give witness to our recognition of the rights of workers, not only as those who serve our needs, but as people made in the image and likeness of God who have hopes and dreams for themselves and their children.  And, this weekend, in the midst of our enjoyment of an extra “day of rest”, let us offer an extra prayer for those who contribute so importantly to our way of life.