Maritza Martínez Mejía, AWA: St. Joseph

Saturday, March 19, 2022

St. Joseph - St. José

Each year on March 19th, many families prepare a table or altar in honor of Saint Joseph, Patron Saint of the poor. My Italian friends prepare a table with a well decorated fine linens, flowers and decorative breads. My favorites pastries are the orange-cranberry scones.

This year, the world is facing an unexpected crisis, Pope Francis invites us to pray for peace.

Why is Saint Joseph the patron Saint of the poor?

We know little about Saint Joseph, but his humble carpenter remains us of poor salary and humble life. (Matthew 13:55).

Who is St. Joseph?
Everything we know about Saint Joseph comes from the Bible. He was the husband of Mary and the foster father of Jesus. Despite his humble work, Joseph came from a royal lineage from David, the greatest king of Israel (Matthew 1:1-16 and Luke 3:23-38).
The circumstances of Joseph's death are not known, but it is likely that he died before Jesus’ ministry began and before Jesus’ Crucifixion (John 19:26-27).

What is the meaning of St. Joseph's Table?
This day parishes observe the three practice of Lent: pray, fast, and alms-giving by preparing a simple meal and the money raised is given to the poor.

St. Joseph's Day Activities

1. Listen the video: http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=4

2. Make Sugar Cookies and cut them into the shape of St. Joseph symbols: a lily, a hammer or carpenter square. https://www.whitelily.com/recipes/traditional-sugar-cookies-3894

3. St. Joseph’s Lily Sandwiches to share with family and friends:

http://catholiccuisine.blogspot.com/2008/03/lily-sandwiches.html

More about St. Joseph and Recipes by Author Yvona Fast 👉

here is my column about St. Joseph's Day https://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/opinion/columns/2022/03/north-country-kitchen-celebrates-saint-josephs-day/