[StBernard] St Joseph's Altar March 19 & 20 in Arabi

[Westley Annis]

All are welcome to visit and place prayer petitions on the St Joseph's
Day Altar at the Community Center of St Bernard, 1107 LeBeau St, Arabi
beginning on March 19. St Joseph's Day Altars originated during the
Middle Ages as a way to give thanks to St. Joseph for sending rain to
end a drought and prevent a famine in Sicily. 

An important traditional part of St Joseph's Day Altars and traditions
is the the fava bean, which legend says helped the people of Sicily
survive the drought. A St Joseph's Day Altar usually has three tiers,
to represent the trinity. Many traditional foods served at the Altar
contain bread crumbs to represent saw dust since St. Joseph was a
carpenter. Because the feast occurs during Lent, meat is not usually
served at the celebration table. 

This year the viewing for the Altar at the Community Center will be
Friday, March 19 from noon to 7 PM, and the meal will be served on
Saturday, March 20 from noon to 7 PM. Donations of cakes, fish and
signature dishes are needed. Anyone interested in volunteering to
serve at the altar, or anyone who can help with baking or donating
food should contact Mary Ann Pierce at 504.277.8106.