Feast of St Joseph, patron saint of workers, to coincide with Labour Day on May 1 |02 May 2023
People urged to reflect on importance of work
By Patsy Canaya
Roman Catholic bishop Alain Harel has urged all workers to reflect on work, its powerful meaning in everyday life and its biblical importance since creation.
Bishop Harel was speaking at a special mass at Anse Royale yesterday morning to celebrate the Feast of St Joseph, the patron saint of workers, to coincide with Labour Day on May 1.
As is customary, the annual celebration attracted a large crowd of believers and this year’s mass was also attended by President Wavel Ramkalawan and his wife, First Lady Linda Ramkalawan, Vice- President Ahmed Afif, Designated Minister Jean-François Ferrari and other ministers.
When addressing the congregation, Bishop Harel stated that work has a positive connotation, as workers were created to become partners and collaborators of God.“Work is a calling; a vocation from God,” stated the bishop, adding that God put humans at the top of creation, “so that as workers they would understand, build and develop the house of God.”
He stressed on the need to rest on the seventh day, to give glory to God and to recognise that humanity’s existence is because of him as well as a gift from him.
Bishop Harel added that work is a way of earning a living; “work helps each one of us to grow and develop humanity, and as a result of work we each get our place in society.”
However, he said, it sometimes comes with pain and suffering, and called on everyone to look at issues that may not be favouring workers.
He cited companies’ profitability that should be reconciled with a fair salary, rights and responsibilities of both employers and employees, and how to ensure that everyone gets a slice of the cake they help bake, especially the vulnerable.
«Let us leave the tomb of selfishness and laziness and let us work for a world where there is solidarity and unity, and one that gives us an ‘avant-goût’ of God’s kingdom,” he concluded.
The Labour Day celebrations were followed by a fancy fair in the church’s ground where people could take part in various fun and games.
Photos: Joena Meme
