This Sicilian girl explored her heritage this St. Joseph's Weekend.
Our 17th Anniversary coincided with several cultural events revolving around St. Joseph, the patron of the Church and Sicilians.These altars are lovingly made to thank St. Joseph for special prayer interventions and to feed the poor and needy.
Bobby and I began our trek with a perfectly appointed altar at AVO Restaurant on Magazine Street. Avo is a chef-owned restaurant from New Orleans-born chef Nick Lama, a third-generation Sicilian. “Avo” is an Italian word that translates as “grandfather” or “ancestor."
All proceeds from the altar were donated to the St. Francis of Assisi Haiti Fund. Bobby and I gladly promoted the endeavor, and the $1,000 plus dollars will go directly to a multi-purposed building which will serve as a Community Center, School, and Church.
AVO provided a wonderful four course meal freely served to all. A couple of French speaking tourists arrived with backpacks and were invited to join the festivities. How does one explain to non-English speaking tourists such an elaborate free feast? We took their pictures and kept their plates full.
Our second stop was the altar at St. Joseph's Church on Tulane Ave. So many candles were purchased that the floor around the side alcove became an extension of the altar.
We believe that our special intentions will be addressed by the intercession of this special envoy to Christ. Baskets with hand written prayers are laid among all of the hand crafted food, pastries, and candles. These candles are available for sale, of course! We are all Italian, and Catholic, and know how to turn our celebrations into cash.
An unusual placement for the third altar that we visited was in the Marigny, at the Love's Lost Lounge. OK: yes a bar. You all know that wine is part of every Italian celebration! Here there was a long line of Quarter residents being offered an excellent free feast.
The golden foiled floating altar arrived in the French Quarter via a parade which was punctuated by these real Italian flag throwers from Sansepoicro, Italy.
Lastly, Bobby and I cooked a wonderful Mario Batali's Neapolitan Lasagnas.
What a celebration!
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