St. Joseph  Table

St. Joseph, the earthly father of Christ and husband of Mary, keeps under his beneficent watch fathers and families, workers and craftsmen, immigrants and travelers.  The humble carpenter of Nazareth aids and protects expectant mothers and doubting souls.  He is the champion of social justice, and the guardian of a happy death.  He holds the exalted position of patron of the universal church.

Sicily, the largest and most populous of the Mediterranean islands, because of its location in the north central Mediterranean sea, has often been used as a “stepping stone” to and from the European continent.

In the ninth century, agriculture and commerce flourished by cultivating mountainous land. Grapes, olives, wheat, and citrus were the main crops and chief exports.

For too long there had been no rain to nourish the crops that sustained life for the island. The dried out crops cracked beneath the feet of the poor farmers as they walked through their barren fields.  Only a sea of dust and withered vines remained from what had once been row upon row of brightly colored fruits, vegetables, and wheat.
And so the people prayed to their patron, St. Joseph, for relief from the terrible famine that gripped the island.  At last the skies opened, sending down the life-giving water, and the people rejoiced.  For their gratitude, they prepared tables of an assortment of foods they had harvested.

After paying honor to St. Joseph, they celebrated together and also distributed food to the less fortunate.

Whether a St. Joseph altar is displayed at an elegant church or a humble table, it is a reflection of deep devotion to St. Joseph, the patron of those in need, workers, the poor, the aged, the dying.

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What is a St. Joseph Table?