It all started in Sicily. There was a drought and the only thing that would grow at the time was the fava bean. These beans kept the people from starving therefor the beans have been nicknamed the "lucky bean." To end the drought the Sicilians prayed to St. Joseph for his intercession. The prayer was granted so in thanksgiving the Sicilians built an altar to St. Joseph and filled it with food from their harvest. Then the food was distributed to the poor.
The altars are very elaborate and rich in symbolism. They consist of three tiers in honor of the Holy Trinity. A statue of St. Joseph becomes the center piece. Bread is baked and shaped in symbols of St. Joseph such as a staff, carpenters saw, sandals, and lilies. Other Christian symbols are also present. Italian cookies and cuisine, cakes with pictures of saints, fruit, lilies and palms are also part of the decor. Pictures of family members may also be place on the altars.
The alar at Sacred Heart had three place settings of china for the Holy Family. Photos of Father Pisut's family were placed on the altar. Do you see the resemblance between Father Pisut and his grandfather? Paper for petitions to St. Joseph were filled out and place in a bowl to be incinerated later. Those who participated received a small parting gift of a fava bean and a St. Joseph holy card and medal. Thanks to everyone who made the evening so enjoyable.
