Marking both Labor Day and the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker with a special Mass at the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo, Philippines, on May 1, Bishop Ruperto Santos called on the faithful to uphold dignity, integrity, and diligence in their work, describing labor as a shared vocation entrusted by God.
In his homily in Filipino, Bishop Santos, who shepherds the Diocese of Antipolo, said that all people, both as believers and citizens, are workers, whether in formal employment, public service, or daily responsibilities.
He emphasized that each person is given a task uniquely entrusted to them by God, and that success in one’s work is part of God’s will.
“God entrusts each of us with work… and He desires that we succeed,” he said, adding that God provides what is needed for people to fulfill their responsibilities and help build a “good, prosperous, and peaceful society.”
Bishop Santos pointed to three qualities exemplified by Saint Joseph, faithfulness, diligence, and honor, as guiding principles for workers.
He urged employees and professionals alike to carry out their duties with honesty and care, avoiding substandard work and practices that compromise integrity.
Bishop Santos also underscored the importance of fidelity to one’s commitments, particularly among those who have taken professional and public oaths.
He cited those who pass licensure and bar examinations, as well as those who assume public office, reminding them of their promise to serve with honesty and without self-enrichment.
“There must be no deception, no dishonesty, no enrichment at the expense of others,” he said, calling for ethical conduct in both private and public spheres.
Bishop Santos likewise encouraged workers not to diminish their worth or dismiss their roles as insignificant.
He stressed that labor carried out with dedication and integrity is inherently dignified and honorable.
“There is honor in your work,” he said. “The work entrusted to us, when done with faithfulness and diligence, is clean and noble.”
The diocese marks Labor Day alongside its patronal celebration of Saint Joseph the Worker, under the care of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, its principal patroness, highlighting the Church’s teaching on the dignity of labor and the moral responsibility of workers.
Bishop Santos concluded by urging the faithful to embody excellence and integrity in their work, following the example of Saint Joseph.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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