L'Italo-Americano

L'Italo-Americano St. Joseph's Day 2015: A Celebration for the Patron Saint of Workers Saint Joseph is one of the most beloved and celebrated saints among Italian-Americans. To many, he is known as the Patron Saint of Workers and the protector of the family, and the Italian community here in the States dedicates and honors St. Joseph with an elaborate feast every year on March 19th. For those not so familiar with t h i s c e l e b r a t i o n , t h e f a m o u s story of Saint Joseph recounts the devastating famine in Sicily from many centuries ago, and h o w v i l l a g e r s p r a y e d t o S t . J o s e p h t o b r i n g r a i n t o t h e severe drought. Peasants prayed especially, to God through St. Joseph, asking for rain. They m a d e a p r o m i s e t h a t i f t h e drought came to an end, they would fete both the Almighty F a t h e r a n d S t . J o s e p h i n a n annual feast. A major aspect about the cel- ebration of St. Joseph is the delectable Italian cuisine specifi- cally cooked and baked for this day. The food dishes represent the harvest, and bread is baked in the shapes of a staff, a carpen- ter's implement, a hand, the cross, and animals, all intended to represent St. Joseph and the life of Christ. The Sicilian tradi- tion also includes presenting food with oranges and lemons, since they were part of the very f e w c r o p s e a t e n d u r i n g t h e famine in Sicily. It is important not to eat meat on this day, and in this case, those celebrating enjoy pasta dishes consisting of fish and other seafood. Pastries are also a necessity for St. Joseph Day: cakes, sweet breads, cookies, and especially zeppole or sfingi are all presented for everyone to enjoy. Today, the tradition of honor- ing the Patron Saint of Workers is continued in Italy and in the US, particularly among Italian communities around the country. This year St. Joseph was cele- brated by a number of Italian- Americans-- families, friends, neighborhoods, local churches, and communal societies. T h e I t a l i a n C a t h o l i c Federation (ICF) was one of the many groups to host a lavish and traditional feast this past week- end, creating St. Joseph's table a t S t . B e n e d i c t C h u r c h i n Montebello, CA. The festivities c o m p r i s e d o f t h e t r a d i t i o n a l Italian foods and desserts for all, as well as raffle drawings and games that rewarded cash prizes a n d a p a i n t e d s t a t u e o f S t . Joseph. T h e I C F a n d S t . B e n e d i c t c h u r c h a r e k n o w n f o r t h e i r prayers and monetary donations offered to the continuation of vocations and contribute to the education of young men training for priesthood. They also are an a d v o c a t e f o r s c h o l a r s h i p s towards intermediate and high school students, as well as huge s u p p o r t e r s o f t h e C o o l e y ' s Anemia Research and Treatment Program at Oakland Children's Hospital. St. Joseph Table Society of Mary Star of the Sea also cele- THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015 www.italoamericano.com 4 BECKY ZEFERINO brated with their 42nd anniver- sary celebration honoring St. Joseph in San Pedro, CA. On S a t u r d a y t h e s o c i e t y h e l d a v i e w i n g a n d b l e s s i n g o f t h e table, along with a Mass in the evening at the parish auditori- um. On Sunday the real festivi- ties began. Starting at noon was Mass with the carrying of the statue, and church members, church societies, Knights of Columbus, parish priests, and the Band Mestre Da Filarmonica all gathered for ceremony. A f t e r M a s s , a f r e e " P o o r Man's Meal" consisting of pasta e fagioli, fried calamari, salad and bread was arranged for all guests, accompanied by musical entertainment from the band. M o r e t r a d i t i o n a l S t . J o s e p h desserts and treats were handed out in honor of the celebration. The Italian Church of Saint Peter's commemorated the Feast as well, by organizing the tradi- tional table and feeding about 2,500 people, thanks to the help o f g e n e r o u s v o l u n t e e r s a n d donors. Through the Scalabrini Outreach Program, the Church's attendees and supporters also helped raise funds to benefit the community's more vulnerable members. Whether it is a small celebra- tion with family at home, or a vast gathering of friends and the community, St. Joseph Day is meant to celebrate life and be grateful for all its blessings, in honor of St. Joseph himself. Along with a classic prayer for the feast, there is also a classic greeting generally said through- o u t t h e f e s t i v i t i e s : " M a y S t . Joseph always smile upon you." ICF 111 2015 St. Joseph Table at St. Benedict Church, in Montebello St. Joseph celebrations at St. Peter's Italian Church Procession in San Pedro with members of the St. Joseph table Society. Established 1973

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