|
The Table of St. Joseph — or La Tavola di San Giuseppe — is a centuries-old tradition dating back to a time of poverty and famine in Sicily, when villagers turned to St. Joseph for assistance. Eventually rain fell and the fields yielded plenty of crops.
In an act of thanksgiving, the people made an altar dedicated to St. Joseph and adorned it with food: grain, fruits, vegetables, pasta, seafood and wine.
All who lived in the village were invited to the feast, especially the less fortunate.
The feast was introduced to America during the migration of southern Italians and Sicilians in the latter part of the 19th century.
The Feast of St. Joseph marks the 20th anniversary of the Diocese of San Jose and it is appropriately celebrated at the cathedral. This year the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph will offer the St. Joseph Table on Sunday, March 18, following the 11:30 a.m. Mass, and on Monday, March 19 after the noon Mass.
Bishop Patrick J. McGrath will celebrate Mass on both days. The Table will be free and open to everyone, especially the needy. Live opera and Italian music will be provided.
Through work with the poor, the cathedral serves 20,000 people each year through a comprehensive social service program which includes job training and a job search program, grocery supplements, free medical clinic and transitional housing.
Click here to see other St. Josephs' Table....
|
