Marion Faller (1941-2014)

Label Texts by Matthew Massina

For Adults:

St. Joseph’s Day is an Italian tradition that stems from the Middle Ages. St. Joseph is regarded by many Italians, particularly Sicilians, as their Patron Saint. St. Joseph was known as the protector of the Holy Family; thus, Italians and Italian Americans with strong family relationships pray to St. Joseph. Each year on the closest Sunday to March 19th, thanks are given to St. Joseph for preventing a famine in Sicily during the Middle Ages. During this time, food was scarce and many Sicilian people were starving. The poor relied on their faith and the compassion of others, who prayed for St. Joseph to intercede for them, in an effort to ensure that successful crops would develop during their growing seasons. Their prayers were answered, and the famine came to an end. In gratitude, people promised to make annual offerings in St. Joseph's honor of their most precious possession: food. These days, St. Joseph’s Table can be used as an offering to St. Joseph to help a sick loved one or for good fortune for the future.  

For kids:

St. Joseph’s Table is an Italian tradition dating back to the Middle Ages during a brief time after a famine in which it was believed by the people of Italy that their prayers to the Roman Catholic Saint salvaged their crops. Since that day Italians and later Italian-Americans have made annual offerings to St. Joseph through a feast.  

Even if you are not Italian or have never heard of St. Joseph’s Table, similar events have influenced many families. Think about how similar feasts, such as Thanksgiving have brought families together to celebrate.