St. Joseph's Altar

Hello all,

I moved to Louisville about 8 months ago from New Orleans and while I am missing many things, I've started to wonder if there are any St. Joseph's Altar around town. They were very much a part of the culture in New Orleans.

Melissa

Its possible that my being a yankee has something to with it,but I have no idea what a St Joes Altar is.Any help?

[Robin Garr]

Here's a link to information about the custom in New Orleans ... it's apparently a Sicilian tradition brought over from the Old Country. Louisville does have a smallish Italian-American immigrant heritage, but it's overshadowed by the Germans and Irish, and I don't believe I've ever seen a St. Joseph's Altar here.

March 19 is the day!

http://www.neworleansonline.com/neworle ... ltars.html

I do not know about the Altar tradition- but I've eaten a lot of Pasta with Sardines on St. Joseph's Day. Delicious.

Melissa,

I'd call the Archdiocese office at 502-585-3291 and ask if they know if any of the local churches observe this custom. You might also want to call St. Joe's Cathedral in Bardstown to see if they do, but I don't believe their congregation is heavily Italian.

Deb

Thanks to all. I'll have to look into it. I guess I can always build my own altar even though I'm not Italian, just something I grew up on. It is really a site to see with all the stuffed artichokes, types of bread, cakes, and fish. I'll have to get my mom to bring me my good luck fava bean from one of the altars.

[Robin Garr]

One more thought: St. James Roman Catholic church, the big yellow-brick building just north of Eastern Parkway, is the venue for the annual local Festa Italiana in the fall. This may signal an active Italian-American group in the congregation. Might be another place to call. (Not to be mistaken for the two local St. James's Episcopal churches in Pewee Valley and in Shelbyville, which likely do not have St. Joseph's Altars. )

There's also a St. Joseph's Roman Catholic church in Butchertown ...

I lived in New Orleans for many years and once wrote an article for a magazine about the St. Joseph's altar in Gretna. It's really a sight to see, but I haven't heard of the tradition outside of the New Orleans area. I took my mother to see the altar when the magazine story came out (in 2004). The parish priest told her how much he enjoyed the article, and I think nothing else I have ever done made her as proud as hearing that.

Melissa I called a friend who's with the Italian American Assoc. here. I caught her in the car, but she thinks there's going to be a St. Joseph's Mass and such on the 19th out in Propsect. She has the flyer at home so will call me this afternoon with the info. which I will post as soon as she does. Hope this helps. CD

Melissa here's what I have: a man named Lou Perri is in charge of the St. Joseph's Altar Feast on Sat., March 21st. immediately after the 5 p.m. mass. The church is the Immaculate Conception, 500 North 5th Ave., La Grange, KY. which is just up the road on I-71. The meal itself is in The Marion Center which may be attached to the church. I believe there is a $5 donation for adults. You can email him at: l4perri@aol.com. CD

Growing up in New Orleans, Saint Joseph's Day altars were a part of our life - even though we are Jewish. When I brought my soon to be fiancee to town to meet the family, one of the rites of passage was to meet the ladies at the Riccobono home's St. Joseph Day altar. I can still taste the stuffed artichokes and the cookies.

Catherine,

Thank you so much for going above and beyond. Hopefully I'll be able to make it to the feast. It would be interesting to see what types of food they will include.

Melissa

y

Thanks Melissa, I haven't thought about St. Joseph's Day in years! Here are some images from St. Joseph's Day altars in New Orleans. Don't forget to make some dishes with fava beans!

Wow, what an altar! Melissa just got a call from someone who wants you to have Lou Perry's number which is 231-7702. I wasn't surprised to get the call, Lou. is like that. If someone new in town puts out a cause others are likely to "run it to ground" to be helpful. Kinda like the HotBytes community! CD