A Look Back at Our Saint Joseph Table at Saint Patrick’s Old Cathedral

Members and friends of the Italian Enclaves Historical Society worked diligently to create a Saint Joseph’s table altar (La Tavola Di San Giuseppe) at Saint Patrick’s Old Cathedral on Mulberry Street following Saint Joseph’s Feast Day. The tradition is rooted in Sicily but has become more generally emblematic of Catholic faith and Italian custom. During the middle ages, Sicily was plagued by a terrible drought. Upon praying to Saint Joseph for his intercession, rain finally came, and to show their appreciation for this grace, Sicilian people created altars to Saint Joseph with food to feed the poor. 

We thank our friends at Figli Di Parmigliano D’Arco for helping this endeavor of cultural preservation in such an historical building. Saint Patrick’s Old Cathedral was a territorial parish but over many decades, served the Italian population that burgeoned in Manhattan’s Little Italy. Rolls with crosses were baked by Tasty Pastry Shop in Dyker Heights, and all were blessed by Father Luigi prior to being distributed after the 12pm Italian Mass.