Celebrate Saint Joseph, Worker

In 1889, the International Socialist Conference declared May 1 to be an international day of celebration, a holiday for those who labor. As one can only imagine, this declaration did not sit well with the Catholic Church nor the United States. Yet both were slow to officially react.

It wasn’t until 1955 that Catholic Church offered up an alternative to the Socialist Holiday. Under Pope Pius XIII, during the anti-communist fever of the Cold War, the Catholic Church created a new feast day, built around the image of Saint Joseph. Already known as the patron saint of workers, fathers and social justice, Saint Joseph was the obvious choice.

Three years later, President Eisenhower signed a resolution declaring May 1 to be “Loyalty Day” to separate loyal Americans from any hit of solidarity with the Socialist Conference. Less obvious was the separation from the Pope and the Vatican. I wonder, considering that Eisenhower’s VP lost the Republican bid for Presidency to a Catholic in 1960, if that might have been a failed preemptive strike. I remember so well as a child the negative comments and unfounded fears people voiced so loudly about a Catholic President. That somehow a Catholic would pledge loyalty to the Vatican or that the Vatican would really be running the country. I was but 5 when Kennedy was elected, and all this talk about Catholic disloyality made no sense to me. Even to a child, the idea was silly.

But then, we aren’t here to talk about politics. It’s all about Saint Joseph. It makes little difference how or why May 1 is the Feast Day of Saint Joseph, Worker. All that matters in the end is that men understand their importance in the world as fathers. Study after study indicates there is a direct correlation between a father’s active participation in the family structure and the well-being of children. But then there is more to it. A father who is distant, withdrawn, or harsh with his children is no role modle at all. A father must be loving, encouraging, dedicated to hard work for the betterment of his family and his community. The baseball coach, the driver’s Ed teacher, the handy-man with life lessons to share. My father, like so many men of his generation, was just that. I learned to dance while standing on his feet, and drive a car while sitting in his lap. He was my fishing buddy, my guidance councilor, the man by which all other men were measured.

My father was no saint, but he took his cue from one. Back then, we held up better examples for people to follow, especially men. Men should be encouraged to stand up and do the right thing. They should be proud to be men, as God intended. I’m not sure how or why men lost their way. But ladies, we need good men in our lives. That does not make us weak nor dependent. Men need good women to stand beside them. It’s a partnership. Separate roles, but equally essential. Blessed be the man who steps up to the plate. Blessed be the woman who is secure enough in her own identity not castrate the man of the house. Take that however you like.

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Cotija Shrimp Fajitas
30 (16-20 count) raw Shrimp
2 Limes
1/4 cup Olive Oil
1 teaspoon Cumin
1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder
1 Red Bell Pepper
1/2 Red Onion
1 fresh Jalapeno Pepper
2 Garlic Cloves
1/4 cup Cilantro
1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
Kosher Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste
6 Corn Tortillas
3/4 cup Mexican Cotija Cheese

Peel, clean and devein shrimp. Place in a resealable plastic bag, set aside.

Juice the limes into a medium glass bowl. Whisk in olive oil, cumin and chili powder. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the marinade, pour rest into the bag with the shrimp. Marinade shrimp for 15 minutes.

While the shrimp marinates, stem, seed and thinly slice the bell pepper. Cut onion in half, reserve half for another purpose. Peel and thinly slice remaining half. Stem and mince jalapeno pepper. Peel and mince garlic. Snip cilantro for garnish, set aside.

In a large skillet over medium high heat, heat vegetable oil. Add bell peppers and onion, season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in jalapeno and garlic, continue to sauté about another minute. Remove vegetables mixture from the skillet.

Shake off excess marinade from shrimp; add shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper; coot until pink on both sides, about 4 minutes total cooking time. Add reserved marinade, let simmer for about a minute. Return vegetables, season to taste as needed with salt and pepper, stir to incorporate. Remove skillet from heat; cover and keep warm.

Lightly spray a tortilla pan with cooking spray. Warm tortillas, keep warm until ready to serve.

To serve, plate tortillas open-face. Top with shrimp mixture. Garnish with cilantro and cheese. Roll or fold and enjoy. Delicious with Mexican Rice, Refried Beans and an ocean of Margaritas!

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According to the decree for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the Lord.