This week we celebrated Saint Joseph’s Day. As you know, it is usually celebrated on March 19th, however, this year, since March 19th falls on a Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Lent takes precedence. However, because of that, Saint Joseph’s Day was moved to Monday, March 20, 2023.
Saint Joseph is the patron saint of the Universal Church, fathers, families and carpenters. In actuality, we know little about Saint Joseph. From the Scriptures, we know that he was a carpenter, said his “Yes” to God to take Mary as his wife, had dreams (like Joseph in the Genesis) that revealed to him his role in salvation, worked hard to protect Mary and Jesus, and provided for them at every turn. Yet, he never actually speaks any words in the Gospels. Despite this, his actions speak loudly, strongly, and profoundly of his deep and abiding faith in God and God’s plan. Saint Joseph is one of our most powerful intercessors in heaven, given his role in the Holy Family.
On Saint Joseph’s Day, when I was in the seminary, we had a “Saint Joseph’s Table” in the refectory. Seminarians would go to two bakeries in Hoboken early in the morning on Saint Joseph’s Day and pick up an array of breads and pastries and then set up a table display of them. After Mass, the entire Seminary community would process down to the refectory, and we’d bless the table. All the students and faculty would then take and eat from the table all day long. I understand that a long time ago Italian immigrants brought this tradition with them to the United States. The Saint Joseph Table is “a generous sign of God’s generous blessings and of our call to serve the poor and hungry” (Book of Blessings, #1685)
An all-time favorite pastry is the Zeppole di San Giuseppe, which I learned is found in any respectable Italian bakery. A zeppole is a pastry, somewhat like a cream puff, but fried, and tastier, if you want my opinion! After it is fried, the zeppole is filled with cream and sweetened ricotta. Let us enjoy our “zeppoles,” with a cup of espresso and say a prayer of thanksgiving for all God has given us.
Let us pray for our catechumen and candidates who will have a retreat on March 25th from 9:00-1:00 as they prepare for their reception of the sacraments of baptism, confirmation.
Msgr. Tom
