Torrance, CA (March 22, 2013): On Tuesday, March 19, Bishop Montgomery students from Ms. Reano’s Italian 2 and Mrs. Luhrsen’s Italian 3 and Honors Italian 4 classes traveled to St. Peter’s Italian Catholic Church in Los Angeles to attend the Italian Mass and celebration of the Feast of Saint Joseph, one of the most beloved saints among Italian-Americans. As the patron of workers and the protector of the family, he is honored in many Italian-American communities with a special Mass and feast.
After the Mass, students processed to the church hall to view the beautiful “Tavola di San Giuseppe” and to enjoy the pasta dinner and other treats such as cannoli and biscotti. The tradition of the pasta meal, free to all guests, is carried forward from a Sicilian legend. The legend states that there was a famine in Sicily many centuries ago. Villagers prayed to St. Joseph, asked for his intercession and their prayers were answered. With the ending of the dreadful famine, a special feast of thanksgiving was held and it became a tradition. Wealthy families prepared buffets and invited the less fortunate people of the village. BMHS students enjoyed learning about this tradition and participating in the celebration. Viva San Giuseppe!