Our parish celebrated the Feast of St. Joseph by renewing an old tradition, St. Joseph Table. Loaves of bread and fava beans were handed out to parishioners. Also, the Altar and Rosary held a bake sale. Since it was Friday, we also had our Lenten Food Sale; a busy day for all.
History of St. Joseph Table
The St. Joseph Table is a religious custom and tradition that started centuries ago in Sicily. When Sicilians were affected by a severe drought, they turned to St. Joseph the “Father of Jesus and head of the Holy Family” to rescue them by asking St. Joseph to intercede before God for their cause. As a result of their prayer and intercession of St. Joseph, an abundance of rain was poured over the fields to save their crops.
As a sign of gratitude to God the Sicilians committed themselves to share the fruit of the earth with the poor. The tradition was started all over Sicily and, through the migrants, spread throughout the world. Thanks to the willingness and commitment of our Altar and Rosary Society we have joined again with the multitude of faithful who on March 19 honor St. Joseph.
Fava Beans for St. Joseph's Day
The fava bean plays a role on the feast of St. Joseph and the tradition of the Altar or Table for March 19.
Fava beans play a large role in the Sicilian tradition of the St. Joseph Table. They may be served in a frittata or in garlic sauce. When dried, roasted and blessed, it becomes the very popular "lucky bean." Legend has it that you will never be broke as long as you carry one. Some people believe that if you keep one in the pantry, there will always be food in the kitchen.
The myth of the fava bean began during the famine in Sicily, where the bean was used as fodder for cattle. To survive, the farmers prepared them for the table. Hence, they considered themselves lucky to have them. The bean is also a symbol of fertility since it grows well even in poor, rocky soil. Italians would carry a bean from a good crop to ensure a good crop the following year.
The blessed dried beans are distributed on the altars along with a piece of blessed bread.
Prayer for St. Joseph Table
'O, glorious St. Joseph, we stand before this Altar with joyful and grateful hearts. We lovingly present to you the labor of our hands and the dedication of our hearts that have fashioned this Table in your honor. We again place ourselves under your powerful protection. Help us follow your example of complete trust and faith in Divine Providence. Open our minds and hearts to love and serve the poor, the suffering and those rejected or ignored by society. As a family, teach us to love and honor each member of our families with the love and reverence you had for Jesus and Mary. As a nation, inspire in us the will and the way to live in peace with all nations of the world that in our day we can experience the fulfillment of the prayer of Jesus, Peace be to you.
Remember, O most pure spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our sweet protector, St. Joseph that no one ever had recourse to your protection or implored your aid without obtaining relief.
Lord Jesus, bless this Table, all this food, the candles, those who prepared it and all those who visit it. We ask this in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
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