Saint Joseph Altars

Louisiana has had many groups of immigrants over the years.  In the years around 1900 an influx of immigrants from Sicily came to the area.  Many other cities in the United States also had immigrants, but there is a difference.  Most Sicilians who came to Louisiana came from the area of Palermo.  Many other areas had immigrants who departed Sicily from farther west.  In a recent documentary, and our Public Broadcasting channel has one for just about every nationality one can think of, it came out that those who emigrated from Sicily from the eastern part of the island used citrus fruit carrying ships to find passage, while those from the west side of the island went first to places like Naples with olive cargo, then to cities like New York.  So, this is the only area in the United states where the practice of erecting Saint Joseph altars is popular.

Many altars are in parish buildings, some in the church itself, others in school buildings or parish meeting halls.  Many Roman Catholic parishes participate.

These seem to have several purposes.  The amount of free labor is enormous, so it gives an opportunity to perform charity.  There is a prayer aspect to the altars.  And, many do altars serve food and drink to those attending, not from the altar, but from a special meal that is prepared.  This allows fellowship, while preserving a culture.  The meals are free, but donations are happily accepted.

The fava bean is part of the celebration.  The altars are in thanksgiving for Sicilians having been spared during a famine by the fava bean growing so plentifully the population survived.  This was after prayer for Saint Joseph to intercede with God on behalf of the island.

Well, Saint Joseph’s Feast Day falls in Lent, and the practice started hundreds of years ago.  In times past the fasting and abstinence rules were strict.  Even now, if the day falls on a Friday meat is not allowed for Roman Catholics.  So, the meal is spaghetti and a tomato sauce, devoid of meat.  Some add a boiled egg for protein.  One had green beans.  And salad is usually there.  Then cake is served as dessert. 

Small bags of Italian cookies are handed out, often containing a fava bean and a picture of Saint Joseph. 

Some individuals, or group of individuals, make an altar and open it for viewing to the public, and even serve a meal.  There is often a reason, such as a favor having been granted in time of need, perhaps a time of serious illness.  So, even the private altars have a thanksgiving meaning.

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