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| Our 2022 St Joseph's Altar - simple |
As I write this, we are entering the 4th week of Lent and this week includes the feasts of Saint Patrick (3/17) and Saint Joseph (3/19). Holy week is really only days away and approaching too quickly. I haven't done as much as in years past, but there are those family favorites that I pull out every Lent. When it comes to baking, that will be the Saint Joseph's Bread and Holy Thursday's Unleavened Bread recipes. (printable below) Just the mention of it brings the memory to my lips.
The Italians' tradition for St Joseph is to create a 3 level altar, which has a statue or portrait of St Joseph on top, with candles and flowers - especially lilies. Then the next level has many shaped breads and decorative treats. That might be Sfinge di San Giuseppe (Cream Puffs of St. Joseph), breads shaped into symbols, roll wrapped Dyed Eggs called Pupa Cu L'ova to remember Easter is near, and fig pastries that represent the fig orchards of Sicily. The lower level has food for meals, divided up for families to eat and/or donate, which typically includes 12 fish to represent the Apostles. There is a lot of examples and details of meaning to be found online, so I'll leave that info to the pros. |
| Our First (makeshift) St Joseph's Altar in 2020 - working with what I had. |
There is a lot of planning and baking that goes into this for the Italians that really get into it. However, for our family it looks much simpler. We will have our St Joseph statue in a prominent place. We will celebrate with a hearty soup, with St Joseph's Sawdust Bread and a rich butter spread. The adults can have wine, and sparkling cider for the children. We'll pray a >Prayer to St Joseph that we will color< earlier in the day. For dessert we might have cream puffs with chocolate drizzle while we watch another episode of The Chosen series. It is also a day we intend to make a donation to the food shelf.
Certainly take a look at Cooking with Nonna's website for more ideas for Italian recipes just for St Joseph's day.
I hope you enjoy this idea for Living Liturgically with Saint Joseph on March 19th, and maybe even enjoyed the bread. God bless you and your journey.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.