On March 19 each year Catholics celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph, protector of the family and patron of the universal Church and of workers. The importance of this day in Catholic tradition extends throughout the world, but one related custom in particular originated on the island of Sicily: the St. Joseph’s Table.

The origins of the St. Joseph’s Table can be traced to the Middle Ages. According to one tradition, Sicily experienced a famine brought on by a severe drought. Starving villagers — many of them farmers — prayed to St. Joseph, asking for his intercession. This tradition and continuous celebration is a symbolic thank you for favors answered.

To offer their thanks, the people prepared a special feast, inviting the poor and less fortunate among them to share in the meal. The feast of the St. Joseph’s Table has been celebrated ever since.

The table itself is set up like an altar with three tiers to represent the Holy Trinity. At the center of the top tier is a statue of St. Joseph. The table is adorned with lilies and candles representative of St. Joseph's colors of green, brown and dark yellow. Statues and pictures of the Holy Family are also included. And, of course, the table would not be complete without the St. Joseph bread. The bread is baked into various Catholic shapes such as a St. Joseph staff, a cross, fish, a heart, and more. Traditionally, there is no meat served; however, there are many delicious dishes offered such as St. Joseph's day pasta also known as sawdust pasta. And no feast is complete without the dolce! Our table did not disappoint.

The families and scholars prepared such delicious food and set a most beautiful table.