Our Very First St. Joseph's Altar

"Joseph, the husband of our Lady, foster-father of our Lord, guardian of the Holy Family, is honored liturgically on March 19 as patron of the Universal Church and again on May 1 as patron of workmen. This quiet, just man, a symbol of humility and protector of families, is honored in many nations as patron of fathers, the poor, and craftsmen. He is also invoked for a happy death.

In Sicily, from the Middle Ages, a special altar was made on the saint's feast day. A great famine had seized the island, and the starving farmers implored the aid of St. Joseph. Their prayers were answered. In gratitude they offered their most valuable possession - their food - to the saint.

Many Americans of Sicilian descent carry this tradition on today, with beautifully decorated altars that are as much feasts for the eye as the palate. In Sicily, the altars were erected in family homes, usually in thanksgiving for favors granted."

After seeing the 3-D Virtual St. Joseph's Altar, I decided to make a small St. Joseph's altar this year with the kids. This is a first for us! Lil Guhl colored all the little pieces.

"The altars generally have three tiers to symbolize the Blessed Trinity. A statue of St. Joseph and a statue or picture of the Holy Family are placed on the top tier and decorated with flowers, greenery, and fruit. Beautiful breads are baked in symbolic shapes. This bread may be eaten, but pieces are saved by the devout. Through the year in case of a storm a small piece is thrown out, and St. Joseph's aid is invoked to protect the household."

"Some of the symbols often pictured on the St. Joseph's altar are the monstrance, chalice, cross, dove, lamb, Bible, hearts, wreath, palms, lilies, sandals, beard of St. Joseph, ladder, and tools. A braided loaf symbolizes the staff of St. Joseph, which according to legend bloomed with entwined blossoms to single him out from among all Mary's suitors as her spouse-to-be."

"Other traditional foods are also found on the altars. Mudica is a type of seasoned breadcrumb for the pasta, which represents the sawdust of Joseph the carpenter.

Pignolatti are fried pastries in the shape of pine cones. Legend tells that the Child Jesus played with pine cones for toys as a child. Pupaculova is a bread baked with dyed eggs, symbolizing the coming of Easter."

"Wine reminds the participants of the wedding feast of Cana. In addition to other fruits, there are generally grapes, olives and figs because these are grown abundantly in Sicily."

"Guests at the altar are invited to take home fruit and sometimes other small objects placed on the altar, such as holy cards, medals, and fava beans. The blessed beans are in remembrance of a time when the beans, originally only animal fodder, grew in abundance when the other crops failed. In desperation, the farmers ate the beans and were surprised at their good taste. They became known as "lucky beans." Legend has it that the person who carries a blessed bean will never be without coins. It can also be a sacramental to remind us to pray." - Catholic Traditions in the Home and Classroom by Ann Ball

We put the altar together today, since tomorrow we will be pretty busy.

And here's our finished altar.


Memorare to St. Joseph
Remember, O most illustrious Patriach St. Joseph, on the testimony of St. Teresa, thy devoted client, never has it been heard that anyone who invoked thy protection or sought thy mediation has not obtained relief. In this confidence I come before thee, my loving protector, chaste spouse of Mary, foster-father of the Savior of men and dispenser of the treasure of His Sacred Heart. Despise not my earnest prayer, but graciously hear and obtain my petition. (Here mention your request.)

Let Us Pray
O God, Who by Thine ineffable Providence did vouchsafe to choose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of Thy most holy Mother, grant, we beseech Thee, that whom we venerate as our protector on earth may be our intercessor in Heaven, Who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.