On May 1, 2024, Don Bosco IFAK Kimihurura joined the rest of the world in celebrating St. Joseph Feast Day and International Labor Day, reminding all workers to approach their tasks as unto the Lord rather than mere duty to masters.
The day started with a session led by Frère Jovit Sindayigaya on Saint Joseph, highlighting his virtues as a just, faithful, and diligent worker. St. Joseph’s patient acceptance of God’s will, notably when he received the message not to forsake Mary despite her pregnancy, serves as a profound example of faithfulness.
Frère Jovit Sindayigaya emphasized, “We have evidence that St. Joseph was a faithful man. In moments of doubt, he relied on God’s will and the values of his faith. Guided by the Holy Spirit, he obediently accepted the Angel’s message regarding the birth of Jesus Christ, who would redeem the world from sin.”
The Catholic Church, in combining the celebrations of St. Joseph and Labor Day, underscores the importance of emulating St. Joseph’s dedication to work. This tradition, approved by Pope Pius XII, encourages individuals to strive for sanctity through their labor.
Frère Jovit Sindayigaya urged employees, particularly teachers, to view their work as a means of fostering the growth of good Christians and honest citizens.
He noted, “Teachers bear the primary responsibility of nurturing students and facilitating their learning. Providing meals to students ensures they can focus on their studies without hunger hindering their progress.”
Teachers were also encouraged to embody the virtues exemplified by St. Joseph: diligence, application, constancy, serenity, and self-abnegation. St. Joseph’s life teaches humility, poverty, mortification of the body, and the dignity of labor.
The day celebration continued in a Holy Mass presided over by Rev. Father Jean Bosco Ntirenganya, Principal of Don Bosco IFAK. In his homily, Rev. Father Ntirenganya emphasized the intrinsic value of work beyond material gain.
He reminded attendees that work, when motivated by love, becomes a noble endeavor, but devoid of love, it reduces to mere mercenary labor.
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters, since you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you serve the Lord Christ.” Rev. Father Ntirenganya said.
Overall, the celebration at Don Bosco IFAK Kimihurura underscored the significance of labor as a means of glorifying God and serving humanity.
The celebration of Labor Day concluded with sports, entertainment, and communal meals and drinks, fostering camaraderie among workers.
