The Catholic Church in the United States has always been on the side of the worker. That’s for two reasons. The first is a practical one: until about two generations ago, the vast majority of American Catholics were laborers, sweating in fields, factories, mines, and industry. They could barely make it, and depended upon collective bargaining, unions, and support of the Church to defend their rights. The second reason is a moral one: gospel values, as enshrined in centuries of the Church’s social justice teaching, demanded that “the laborer deserved his pay” and that wages, working conditions, and job security were religious as well as economic issues.

A fundamental Catholic belief is that of valuing and respecting the sacredness of human life. Our immigrant ancestors came to these shores seeking religious freedom and economic security. Over a period of many decades our forefathers participated, often with great personal sacrifice, in the struggles for a living wage, safe working conditions and all the rights that full citizenship guaranteed.

The basis for these struggles was the traditional Catholic biblical teaching that all persons on this earth are created in God’s own image and likeness. Because of this teaching, our ancestors were deeply committed to the intrinsic dignity and worth of each person, regardless of ethnic background, national origin, or human achievements.

That belief is now being tested in a new way. The powerful potential of technology to create interdependent economic ties among nations can be abused. It is frequently used to exploit workers in distant parts of the world so that affluent societies can continue to enjoy a lifestyle that the resources of this earth cannot long support. We Catholics who live in this nation full of abundance might forget that the worth and dignity of each individual are not confined to our national boundaries, but include all peoples on this earth. They, too, have the same rights to decent wages and, especially at this moment, safe working environments that correspond to their human dignity as individuals created and loved by God.

Pope John Paul II has frequently pointed out the importance of the virtue of solidarity in today’s political and economic world. That virtue, to be meaningful, must be put into practice through concrete attitudes and deeds as we work cooperatively in economic spheres with other nations. We are continually challenged to collaborate with people around the world for just and equitable labor standards. Our efforts show themselves by our serious concern for the well-being of all without exception.

I have just become aware of a movement called the “Clean Clothes Campaign.” Since January, a team of educators here in southeastern Wisconsin has been providing educational materials to parents through our Catholic schools. This fall they are inviting broader participation through parish and religious education programs. Embracing this effort will strengthen our Church locally as we work for global justice in the workplaces that supply so much of what we wear and use today.

During this Labor Day holiday I invite you to consider ways in which you will commit yourself to solidarity and make a difference in the lives of people who, without knowing you, are such a significant part of your life. In this way we walk in the footsteps of our ancestors whose personal sacrifices contributed to the improved working environment many of us enjoy today.

Blessings on all who strive to put into practice Christ’s teaching about love of neighbor.