ST. JOSEPH’S DAY

The St. Joseph’s Table is a centuries-old Sicilian tradition celebrated on March 19th, the feast day of St. Joseph. Sicilian immigrants who settled in the North End of Kansas City in the late 1800s were the pioneers who introduced this celebration to the area. Initially, people prepared St. Joseph’s Tables in their own homes. In 1964, Mary Fasone organized the first St. Joseph’s Table at Holy Rosary, and all the other parishes soon followed suit. This cherished tradition continues to thrive today.

Devotion to St. Joseph has significant roots in early Christian communities, honoring him as the husband of Mary, foster father of Jesus, protector of the Holy Family, and Patron of Carpenters and Workers. Italians, especially Sicilians, have a strong devotion to him, stemming from a historical drought in Sicily that led to famine. In their desperation, people prayed to St. Joseph for rain and were blessed with a bountiful harvest.

Following this, a feast was organized to honor St. Joseph, featuring an altar adorned with foods, pastries, and flowers, with his statue at the center. The poor and needy were the guests of honor, reflecting gratitude and the spirit of sharing. This celebration, known as St. Joseph’s Table, has become a cherished yearly tradition in Sicily and among Sicilian communities worldwide.

The St. Joseph’s Table is a celebration rooted in personal experiences of favors and blessings, such as healing and the safe return of loved ones. Preparation starts weeks in advance, featuring a variety of meatless Italian dishes since it occurs during Lent and highlights seasonal fruits, vegetables, and seafood.

The Table is typically arranged in three levels to honor the Holy Trinity. It is elegantly decorated with symbolic breads shaped to represent Jesus’ Crown of Thorns, the Cross, St. Joseph’s cane, or the Sacred Heart.

Various platters of sweets are displayed, including cannoli, cuccidati (fig cookies), giuggiulena (sesame seed cookies), tetù (Sicilian chocolate spice cookies), scalidis (fried cookies), ravasani (anise-flavored cookies that are boiled and then baked), and pignolata (fried dough dipped in honey and topped with nuts or sprinkles).

There are also biscotti flavored with anise, lemon, almond, and vanilla, along with many other delicious cookies and cakes. Cakes are creatively shaped like lambs, Bibles, crosses, or angels. Additional desserts such as cream puffs and Sfingi di San Giuseppe are included, as well as a selection of fresh fruits.

In addition, the Table features vegetables such as asparagus, eggplant, and Swiss chard. It offers dishes like froscia (a Sicilian frittata made with eggs and vegetables), sfincione (Sicilian pizza), stuffed artichokes, and a variety of seafood, including shrimp, lobster, and octopus.

The main entrée is Pasta Milanese topped with breadcrumbs representing St. Joseph’s sawdust. Fava beans, symbolizing good luck, are given to patrons of the Table. According to tradition, these beans saved many lives during a famine. They grew wild under harsh conditions and were often used as livestock feed. During the famine, many people resorted to eating fava beans to stave off starvation, which is why they symbolize good fortune. It is believed that carrying three fava beans in your pocket will ensure you do not go hungry.

Three children, selected to represent the Holy Family, are seated at a special table where they proceed to taste a small portion of each food item. This can be a solemn moment accompanied by prayers and singing. Once the Holy Family has dined, all guests partake in the joyous celebration. 

The St. Joseph’s Table celebration begins on March 18th, the feast’s vigil, with the blessing of the Table. The Table remains open for viewing, and people can purchase cookies and cannoli. On March 19th, we honor St. Joseph with a special Mass in the morning followed by a lunch of Pasta Milanese. Viewing of the Table and the sale of cookies and cannoli continue all day. All money raised at the Tables goes to support the parishes and the needy in the community.

Traditionally, St. Joseph’s Tables are celebrated on the feast day, but many churches now hold the event on the weekend and limit it to one day to allow more parishioners to participate.

Many of our traditions have died out over the years, but our devotion to St. Joseph remains unwavering. Sadly, many of the keepers of this beautiful tradition have passed away over the last few years. These keepers were the men and women who worked tirelessly each year to bake cookies and create stunning works of art. This loss is deeply felt in our community, as there are fewer St. Joseph’s Tables around Kansas City each year. Please help preserve this tradition by passing it down to your children and grandchildren and getting involved.