St. Joseph's work continues

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This father, carpenter, patron to unwed mothers, fathers, husbands, and families is well celebrated today. The Sicilian immigrants brought their devotion to St. Joseph along with them to this seaport. New Orleans, like Sicily, has had its share of man-made and natural disasters. It is no surprise that the tradition honoring St. Joseph's intersession in times of crisis continues on these shores.

I made the rounds to ten different altars each one assembled with a great deal of love and devotion. I watched several men, on Napoleon Ave. at St. Stephen's Church, setting up a large tent to shelter those who would come at noon to share a free meal.

I was ushered into Mt. Carmel Academy's cafe by two young ladies with a great number of medals on their uniforms. I saw several moms coordinating and refilling devotional candles, cookie baskets, and petition request onto well decorated tables, while traditional Italian music played in the background.

Brother Martin's altar displayed several beautifully sculpted bread items: a large saw, a ladder, and a very large alligator. I am not sure that St. Joseph was plagued by alligators, but it was very well executed.

The St. Jude Shrine devotees handed out colored fava beans: silver, red, and green. I was blessed by a woman who was leaving her parking spot and offered her unexpired parking tag to me. One little blessing from this Saint and a kind soul. The aroma of lunch drifting onto Rampart Street assisted me in finding their St. Joseph. As I left, I saw a woman refilling her water bottle with holy water. I pray that she is healed.

The basement of Andrew Williams Marengo St. home is nicely suited for the family created display.
All of these altars demonstrate love, devotion, dedication, and effort. I am grateful to be a part of a city that honors our modern and ancient ancestors in such a creative manner.

Last night, as I entered the cafeteria at Trinity Episcopal Church, I found another altar. This one surprised me. It was not advertised in the paper. We were allowed to take the cookies and fruit from this altar lovingly assembled by Mary, a volunteer and former Catholic worker. These cookies were purchased from Brocata's, a long standing dessert establishment and were excellent. http://www.angelobrocatoicecream.com/