A message from SLI President & CEO, Rev. Patrick J. McDevitt, CM, PhD, on the celebration of Religious Brothers Day.
Religious Brothers Day
Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker
May 1, 2026
On this Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker, we give thanks to God for the gift of Catholic Brothers—men who, in imitation of Saint Joseph, live lives of quiet strength, faithful service, and deep communion with God. Through their vocation of prayer, community, and mission, they embody a humble yet powerful witness to the Gospel, revealing Christ’s healing presence in both the ordinary and the hidden moments of life.
Religious Brothers are often the steady and unifying presence within communities—the “glue” that holds relationships, ministries, and mission together. With a clarity of purpose and a generous spirit, they are deeply committed to direct service: accompanying the poor, educating the young, caring for the sick, and responding to the needs of the Church with compassion and integrity. Much of their work unfolds behind the scenes, yet its impact is immeasurable, touching countless lives and strengthening the very heart of the Church.
At Saint Luke Institute, we are especially mindful of the vital role Brothers play in the life of the Church. In the spirit of SLI’s emerging strategic vision, Healing Hearts, Renewing Hope: 2030, we remain deeply committed to accompanying those who have so generously given their lives in service. We seek to care for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—by providing integrated psychological, spiritual, and educational support, ensuring that our Brothers are sustained, strengthened, and renewed in their vocation.
As we celebrate their witness, we also acknowledge with concern diminished vocations to Religious Brotherhood. This invites us, as a Church, to pray with renewed faith and intention. May the Holy Spirit stir in the hearts of young men a desire to follow Christ in this beautiful and needed vocation, and may our communities of faith be places where such a call can be heard, nurtured, and embraced.
With gratitude and hope, we entrust all Religious Brothers to the intercession of Saint Joseph—worker, protector, and faithful servant. May God bless them abundantly, strengthen them in times of challenge, and fill them with the joy and peace that come from a life given fully in love and service.
Reverend Patrick J. McDevitt, C.M., Ph.D.
President and CEO
Saint Luke Institute