At NYC Workers Chapel, Labor Day is a sacred observance

Workers coast to coast are looking forward to a long weekend for Labor Day – but Br. Brian Jordan, OFM, sees the holiday as more than an extra day off.

"It's not just a secular holiday," said Br. Brian, pastor of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Manhattan. "For me, it's sacred, the same way Holy Week is."

Through the Workers Chapel at St. Francis of Assisi, Br. Brian has spent years accompanying labor leaders, union members and workers who come in search of prayer, reflection and support. Standing alongside working people and affirming the dignity of labor have long been Franciscan traditions – and this ministry reflects that.

"It's appropriate to have a workers chapel because Franciscans have always had a witness to the dignity of human labor," he said.

In the heart of Manhattan, the chapel welcomes elected officials, labor leaders, and workers from an array of professions. Many, said Br. Brian, arrive with the burdens of their jobs and personal lives.

"They come here to look for solace, an oasis," he said. "They're gratified to see that we recognize the dignity of human labor. They bring their burdens here, and we want them to go back out enthused. That what they're doing is great, and we appreciate them."

A Franciscan tradition of accompanying workers

This bond between Franciscans and working people has stretched for centuries.

"Franciscans were spiritual directors for labor guilds," Br. Brian said. "In the 21st century, we are spiritual directors for labor unions."

Br. Brian said the Church's concern for workers remains especially important amid rapid technological change. Citing Pope Leo XIV, he noted that society must ensure emerging technologies serve the common good and protect human dignity.

Each person possesses God-given dignity, regardless of occupation or social status - a belief deeply rooted in the Church.

"Work doesn't define what we are, but work is part of God's creation," Br. Brian said. "Whether it's someone who is poor or undocumented, to a high corporation president, every person has dignity. We're all born in the image and likeness of God."

For Br. Brian, Labor Day offers an opportunity to recognize the God-given dignity of workers and to celebrate the countless ways their labor builds communities and serves the common good.

"With dignity, there is purpose, there is love," he said. "There is the great aspect of celebrating this wonderful American holiday called Labor Day."

Remembering workers who never came home

The Worker's Chapel ministry is about more than celebration and remembrance. The Church of St. Francis of Assisi works with the New York City Central Labor Council to honor workers who've lost their lives on the job. Every third Wednesday of the month, the names of workers killed during the previous month is read aloud and remembered in prayer during a special service.

"We think this is so tremendously important, to maintain the dignity of work and the humanity of workers," said Brendan Griffith, president of the New York City Central Labor Council.

Gathering those names can be difficult. Kate Whalen, communications director for the labor council, said there is no comprehensive public accounting of workplace fatalities in New York City. The council relies on information from unions, media reports and government agencies to identify workers whose deaths might otherwise go unnoticed.

For Griffith, ensuring those names are spoken is an important act of remembrance.

"It's easy to forget that every worker has a family, has a life," he said. "If they are gone, they will be missed. It's important for us to make sure that those names are spoken, those lives are remembered, and the loss of those families is acknowledged."

A spiritual oasis for all workers

These efforts culminate in a Mass on Sept. 12, in remembrance of workers who lost their lives during the 9/11 terror attacks, along with those who helped in rescue, recovery and rebuilding efforts and later suffered health issues.

Griffith said workers continue to shape New York City in ways both visible and unseen.

"They're not ordinary. They are extraordinary," he said. "What they do makes New York City what it is. They build community, and I couldn't be more grateful for those who wake up every morning to do the work that makes New York City what it is."

The ministry's doors are open to all, regardless of faith tradition.

"St. Francis was an interfaith, ecumenical saint," Br. Brian said. "All are welcome to pray here. This is a spiritual oasis for all the people of God."

As Labor Day approaches, that message of dignity, gratitude and remembrance remains at the heart of the Franciscan ministry to workers, offering a place where labor is not only recognized, but blessed.