The
Church always honors St. Joseph with Mary and Jesus. Since the end of the fifteenth century, this feast is kept
on March 19th. This day (March 19, 2006), according to tradition, is the anniversary of his holy death.
In 1621, Gregory XV extended it to the whole church, In 1870 Pius IX proclaimed St. Joseph "Protector of the
Universal Church," and instituted a second feast, called his "Patronage." This saint was a just
man. As by his marriage with the Blessed Virgin, St. Joseph has certain rights of paternal authority, which the
preface of St. Joseph delicately alludes to as that of a foster father.
The traditional St. Joseph's Table feast has caused many Americans to ask what it represents. The answer is that
it is an old Sicilian holiday that the natives celebrated. Throughout the Catholic Church, St. Joseph has always
been regarded as the family protector. Several centuries ago famine in Sicily caused considerable suffering and
starvation. The peasant farmers turned in prayer to St. Joseph for help. The famine soon ended and in gratitude
the farmers honored St. Joseph by filling an altar with their most prized possession - FOOD.
St. Joseph's altars have evolved into family open houses since then. The guests at these gatherings include family
and friends, as well as anyone in need. In keeping with tradition, there is always a great quantity of food and
the dishes are meatless because the celebration falls during Lent.
The children are an important part of this celebration. It is customary to have three children, blessed by the
priest, to represent the Holy Family at a special dining table.