Office: 10001 Stonell Drive
IL PENSIERO “THE THOUGHT”
Member of FUSIE (Federazione Italiana Stampa Unitaria all’Estero)
An Italian American Publication
MARZO MARCH
Former Misericordia President
Passes Away
submitted by Rebecca Tower
Marianne Peri Sack passed away on the morning of February 18, 2026. Many people knew Marianne. She was very active in the Italian organizations and held office in several of them. She was president of the Misericordia Society for many years and was also president of UNICO in St. Louis for a time. She also served on the board of the Sicilian Cultural Association. She received numerous awards for her work in the community, including special recognition from the Board of Aldermen in St. Louis for leading the efforts to raise funds for earthquake relief in Italy in 2016. Marianne worked for McDonnell Douglas for nearly 40 years and was very involved in the Community Help and Involvement Program. She received the President’s Award and Teammate of Distinction while at McDonnell Douglas.
Marianne also had a strong devotion to St. Joseph, which began in her childhood when her family hosted an altar in their home on the feast day of St. Joseph, March 19. She co-chaired the St. Joseph Altar at St. Ambrose Church with Rebecca (Venegoni) Tower in 2012. She introduced the tradition of the Tupa Tupa, or Knock Knock play, to St. Ambrose School, and the children still perform it at an all-school Mass before St. Joseph Day. The play depicts St. Joseph
knocking on doors, looking for shelter for the Holy Family. Finally, someone opens the door to them, and everyone shouts “Viva San Giuseppe” and enters the home for the party. She also ordered bread from The Hill bakeries and on March 19, passed it out to family, friends, and charitable organizations. Marianne served on the St. Joseph Altar Committee at St. Ambrose until various injuries and illnesses made it difficult for her to get around.
Marianne was also the English editor for Il Pensiero and contributed many articles over the years.
Marianne loved The Hill and St. Ambrose Church. Being in this church for Mass was very special to her. She made the trek from her home in Ballwin to St. Ambrose nearly every Sunday for many years. Marianne loved her Catholic faith, her family, and her Italian heritage and was also very proud to be an American.
Marianne was preceded in death by her husband, Don Sack, and survived by her brother, Anthony Peri; sister-in-law, Joanna; several nieces and nephews; godchildren; and many friends.
A Musical Journey Through Italian Opera
Presented by the Italian Club of St Louis
On Sunday, March 22, at 2 p.m., the Eliot Chapel in Kirkwood will come alive with a Musical Journey Through Italian Opera. Pianist Paolo Scartoni, a professor of Italian literature with a focus on music at Wash U, and classically trained soprano Morgan Griffith will guide the audience through various eras of opera.
This event is FREE and open to the public. Seating is first come, first served. Please join us and invite your friends and family!
The Eliot Chapel is located at 100 South Taylor Avenue in Kirkwood. The chapel is an intimate and acoustically inspiring concert venue featuring a new Steinway piano.
For more information, visit the Calendar of Events on italianclubstl.org.
Italian Club of St. Louis: Our Mission
Since its founding in 1922, the Club has been unique among Italian organizations in St. Louis in its mission. The purpose of the Italian Club is to promote and encourage knowledge and interest in Italian and Italian-American art, culture, history, language, science, technology, economics, and all such matters and affairs, both contemporary and historical. Also, our purpose is to recognize and honor in a public manner those individuals who have distinguished themselves through their service to the Italian-American community of our area.
MARZO 2026
MARZO (MARCH)
3/8 - Daylight Saving Time Begins 3/17 - St. Patrick’s Day 3/19 - Saint Joseph’s Day 3/20 - First Day of Spring 3/29 - Palm Sunday
WHAT'S THE WEATHER?
St. Louis, MO
Average Temp: HIGH: 56° F LOW: 36° F
On average, March is the windiest month of the year!
Italy
Average Temp: HIGH: 60° F LOW: 45° F
In March, Italy experiences a transitional, mild, and often rainy spring climate.
EVENTS TO ATTEND
Misericordia Society Meeting
Marzo 1
St. Ambrose Church, Polizzi Hall at 12:15 p.m.
20th Anniversary of 314 Day
Marzo 8 – 14
Variety of events celebrating eveything #STLMade
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Marzo 14
Starting at noon at 8th and Market.
Feast of St. Joseph Mass Marzo 19
Starting at noon at The Shrine of St. Joseph
Gateway Blues Festival
Marzo 20
Chaifetz Arena starting at 8 p.m.
Saint Joseph Alter Marzo 21-22
Ambrose Church
To subscribe to Il Pensiero, advertise or request a photographer at your event, email info@ilpensiero.net.
2026 Article/Ad Deadlines
April: March 13
May: April 17
June: May 15
July: June 12
August: July 17
September: August 14
October: September 11
November: October 16
December: November 13
Degli articoli firmati che appaiono sul giomale sono responsabili i singoli autori, i quali non rappresentano necessariamente il punto di vista generale, ne’ esprimono la politica de “Il Pensiero.” Operando conforme alle nostre vedute democratiche, si accetta la collaborazione di persone esprimenti il piu’ largo arco di opinioni, senza pregiudiziale di sorta.
The signed articles appearing in Il Pensiero “The Thought” are the opinions of the individual authors, who do not represent the general point of view, nor do they express the views of Il Pensiero. We accept the collaboration of people expressing the most wide range of opinions. Opinions expressed in Il Pensiero “The Thought” are not necessarily those of Il Pensiero and Il Pensiero does not accept responsibility for advertising content. Any images supplied are at the owner’s risk.
PENSIERO
Staff Photographer
The Fratellanza Society
Royale Orleans Banquet Center
November 8, 2025
Gus Torregrossa + family and friends
Joe Barbaglia + family and friends
Nina and Salvatore DiGregorio
Joe Barbaglia and family
Isabella Torregrossa giving Dave Passanise the $1K grand prize
Read With Alexandra (RWA)
By Alexandra Marino-Durmišević “Sally Brady’s Italian Adventure”
By Christina Lynch
Sally Brady is one tough lady! If you’re looking for adventure in your next read, pick this one up. Sally has enough excitement to last a lifetime in her young life. As an 11-year-old, her father turns her away because he just can’t afford to feed another mouth. She catches a train from Iowa to Hollywood, where she is adopted by an actress. Her life looks very different from her poverty-stricken past. She becomes a gossip columnist who finds herself as a prisoner of war in Fascist Italy.
This novel is a mix of historical fiction, romance, and a little bit of suspense. It is very entertaining from cover to cover, almost unbelievable at times. I was pleasantly surprised at the ending. I was really looking for a novel that didn’t leave me hanging and ended happily. Very refreshing if you have been picking up more serious material lately.
See you in April!
Uncover the Show Me State’s Sports History in “St. Louis Sports for Kids: A Forever Lore in the 314"
Reedy Press is pleased to announce the release of its local interest book, St. Louis Sports for Kids, by Joey Zanaboni.
A playful collection of St. Louis sports stories, giving younger generations a peek into the city’s sports culture and legends.
In St. Louis, sports bind us, move us, and reinforce the values that we hold dear: grace under pressure like Kurt Warner and courage to do what’s right like Curt Flood. The moments and heroes of the past
shine through, even when they’re hard to remember. Like sunshine through slanted blinds, they give us enough light to see our present and chart our future.
Now more than ever, we must reflect on those who have made this city a hub not just for sports but for the values that we hold dear: from track stars to philanthropists like Jackie Joyner-Kersee, from tennis champion pioneers to public health advocates like Arthur Ashe, and from underdogs to World Cup icons like the 1950 US Soccer team. They are more than heroes. They are friends, mentors, and community builders who have gone beyond their games.
St. Louis kids deserve a retelling of the stories, tales, and legends in this complete and accessible history by author Joey Zanaboni. This book, which tracks the evolution of St. Louis sports, from baseball and football to corkball and wrestling, allows fans of all ages to understand this city’s unique place in American sports culture. The memories we make here never fade from our minds, and the moments and dreams born on the fields across the 314, the 636, and the 618 never leave us either. Where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going . . . in St. Louis, it’s sports that bring us all together.
St. Louis Sports for Kids is available wherever books are sold.
Book Details: St. Louis Sports for Kids, by Joey Zanaboni, ISBN: 9781681066202, hardcover, 8.5 x 11, 112 pages, $32.00.
Continued on page 8
un annuncio
by Carina Marino
Submit content to info@ilpensiero.net before March 13, 2026 to be featured in the April issue. We look forward to receiving your announcements! Thank you
BIRTHDAYS
Pina Barbara
Rocco Ferrara
Nina Gallo
Melodie Nicastro
A Special Note:
Celebrate St. Joseph’s Day on March 19.
Carina Marino and the Il Pensiero staff
Organi z a t ions & E v en t s We ’ re S u ppor t ing in
Hill House Tour
June 28 | 1 - 5 p.m.
Hosted by: The Hill 2000 Neighborhood Association
Scan to learn more!
Ne w places t o find Il Pensiero on The Hill : Q1 & Q2 Soccer in STL
Tickets will go on sale April 1!
March 7 & 21 4.25 5.13 5.23
Learn To Play Italian Card Games With Italian Cards
submitted by Angelo Sita
If you would like to learn how to play Italian card games with Italian cards, you can do so at the Italian America Bocce Club.
On Friday evenings at 7 p.m. you can learn to play the Italian card games
of Scopa and Briscola at the Bocce Club, 2210 Marconi on The Hill.
There is no fee to learn to play these card games. However, you do need to contact Angelo Sita at 314-435-4120 or angelosita@sbcglobal.net and notify him that you will be coming. You do not need to be a member of the Bocce Club to participate.
This is a great way to learn something new and meet new people in your community.
Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Recap
by Courtney Finn
The 2026 Winter Olympics ran from February 6 to February 22 across host cities Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo in northern Italy. Athletes from around the globe competed in 116 medal events across 16 disciplines, drawing fans and dazzling performances throughout the twoweek festival of winter sport.
The Opening Ceremony at Milan’s historic San Siro Stadium celebrated Italian
heritage with art, music, and dancers spotlighting the theme of harmony between city and mountains. Highlights included Italian icons and international stars, including a set by Mariah Carey singing in Italian, plus a striking presentation of the Olympic rings and the parade of nations.
As the host nation, Italy enjoyed a record-breaking showing, finishing fourth overall with 10 gold, 6 silver, and 14 bronze medals—its most medals ever at a Winter Games. Italian short-track speed skating legend Arianna Fontana added to her already historic career, becoming Italy’s most decorated Winter Olympian.
The Closing Ceremony in Verona’s ancient arena capped the Games with performances by stars like Achille Lauro and Gabry Ponte, tributes to Italian culture, and the symbolic handover to the French Alps as hosts for 2030.
Marianne Sack (nee Peri)
February 17, 1937 - February 18, 2026 Sack, Marianne (nee Peri), baptized into the hope of Christ’s resurrection, Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Beloved wife of the late Donald Sack; dear sister of Anthony (Joanna) Peri; aunt of Anthony (Tran) Peri, Joseph (Vanessa) Peri, Molly Schwarb and Danny (Annie) Wilson; our
Continued on page 8
Friday’s Artichoke Dip
Ingredients:
2 cans of artichokes
1 cup of mayonnaise
1 cup of Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Chop up artichokes and add the ingredients and mix together. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until bubbly. Serve with your choice of cracker.
A Lenten appetizer idea!
Continued from page 7
A visitation was held at the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at
Continued from page 5 dear great-aunt, cousin and friend of many.
Holloway, Ballwin on Monday, February 23, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. until time of the service at 11:30 a.m. at Interment Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Ambrose Catholic Church or Masses preferred. Friends may sign the family’s on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.
About the Author Joey Zanaboni is the playby-play announcer for St. Louis CITY SC and the St. Louis Ambush. He previously served as a commentator for eight years in independent and minor league baseball. A lifelong St. Louisan who has lived, breathed, and sweated through many of the moments in this book, his work has been featured by USA Today, the Washington Post, and ESPN. His commentary for St. Louis CITY of Major League Soccer can be heard on Y98 and Apple TV. Upcoming Events:
Book Signing
Wednesday, March 4, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Main Street Books
St. Charles, MO Free and open to the public
Saturday, March 28, from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. St. Louis Fight For Air Climb, Metropolitan Square Building 211 N. Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102 Open to the public
Who is this book for?
Sports fans of all ages, but especially 10-15-year-old kids. The history of St. Louis sports is so rich, and it is our duty as adults and as sports fans to pass on the tales, legends, myths, and facts that make the history of sports in this city so great. Whether you’re an expert or a newbie, a kid or a kid at heart, whether you’re into baseball, basketball, football, corkball, chess, bowling, or something else, I promise there is something in this book for you.
Why is St. Louis so unique in the history of so many sports?
The easy answer is that we are a crossing point and a junction for the entire nation. But what has truly made St. Louis a hub for national and world athletics is the heart of our fans. We turn out to support our local teams and clubs, but we also just turn out in general to support good competition, camaraderie, and fun. Look at Bellerive hosting the PGA Championship in 2018. Tiger Woods praised this city’s overwhelmingly positive turnout. We love our sports, and, just as the great athletes and personalities inspire us, we also inspire them.
Continued on page 10
Why were you interested in writing this book?
I am from St. Louis, as is my entire family. My great-grandfather came from Italy in 1912 and moved to Edwards Street on The Hill for the next 45 years of his life. I have grown up with many of the stories featured in the book, told to me for the first time by my grandfather and father. In my career as a sports announcer, I have been privileged to observe some great moments up close as a commentator with St. Louis CITY SC, the St. Louis Ambush, the River City Rascals, and the St. Louis Jr. Blues. St. Louis is my home, and I want to honor it.
More than that though, I have a background in education and teaching and have gained insight into how, why, and with what intensity we teach reading to preteens and teens. To put it mildly - kids are not reading nearly as much as they used to. Nor are adults. Hopefully this will be a small contribution in fighting against functional illiteracy.
Can someone who’s not the biggest sports fan in the world enjoy this book?
Sure! I am indebted to so many great organizations and individuals for providing fantastic photos for this book. It’s beautiful even if you do not care much for the subject matter. Anything that increases civic pride in our city is important. St. Louis needs to look toward people like Curt Flood or Jackie Joyner-Kersee to stay in touch with the values we want to pass on to the next generation. Their athletic accomplishments were really just a small part of what they did to make our city and our lives so much richer.
What’s one thing you are particularly proud of in this book?
That, among the innumerable and impossible-to-quantify contributions that so many have made to this city, we were able to highlight great moments from great people across all walks of life. I wanted the contents of this book to be like its readership: for everyone, with deep love in my heart for my hometown.
Author Darren
Catallo’s New Book,
armies clash at a neutral Alpine village.
Darren Catallo is a United States Naval Academy graduate with a degree in history. He served in the Marine Corps, then pursued an oblique career tending bar in New Orleans, drilling oil wells in Asia and Texas, and working in chemical plants. Having traveled throughout the world, he always enjoyed reading a good book, meeting unique people, and telling stories. Currently, Catallo lives in the deep south of the United States with his wife, son, two dogs, and a bearded dragon.
“It is 1599, and the Roman Empire is still a force to be reckoned with,” writes Catallo. “Surrounded by enemies, the Romans survive and thrive by cunning statecraft, military skill, technical power, and an ear in every court. The Fourth Italian Legion, Legio IIII Italica, is one of the pillars of the Empire. Can the legion stop an excursion from the Bavarian army, the feared landsknechts, into the neutral territory separate from both Rome and Bavaria?
“Within all empires and states, there are the soldiers and people who have to live their lives as best as they can in the sweep of events beyond their control. This is the story of Leonardo Titianus, a young Roman centurion who’s better suited to be an artist. There is Caius Manteuffel, the driven regimental commander of German landsknechts. Lukas Drusus is a chameleon-like Roman spy. And finally, there’s Justinius Desiderius Mannheim, the local village idiot.
“As armies maneuver and clash around the small neutral Alpine village of Lenggries, officers and soldiers march and fight tedium, while farmers and shopkeepers struggle to protect their village and freedom from the landsknechts. Townspeople and soldiers, Romans and Bavarians, spies and traders, see how they survive, thrive, or die in a dangerous, fascinating, and humorous version of the sixteenth century!”
Published by Newman Springs Publishing, Darren S. Catallo’s enthralling tale is the author’s third novel following two fan science fictions, and promises to captivate fans of speculative historical fiction. Expertly paced and characterdriven, “Rome, Unconquered, 1599”, is sure to leave readers spellbound with each turn of the page.
Readers who wish to experience this mesmerizing work can purchase “Rome Unconquered, 1599” at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iBooks Store, Amazon, or Barnes and Noble.
For additional information or media inquiries, contact Newman Springs Publishing at 732-243-8512.
About Newman Springs Publishing:
internationally. All manuscripts in any genre are welcome to be submitted for review; If the manuscript meets the necessary criteria and is accepted for publication, Newman Springs Publishing will work closely with the author to bring the book to the retail market for a relatively inexpensive initial investment.
Comedy Dynamics Released Candice Guardino: Italian
Bred on January 27, 2026
Comedy Dynamics announced the release of Candice Guardino: Italian Bred, the debut comedy special from theatrical comedian, producer, and writer Candice Guardino. The special premiered January 27, 2026, streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
Filmed at the iconic Two River Theater, Italian Bred brings Guardino’s hit theatrical comedy to the screen in a heartfelt and hilarious one-woman performance based on true-life events. Through sharp storytelling, powerhouse vocals, and a cast of characters—including her brassy Italian grandmother—Guardino takes audiences on a laugh-out-loud journey through her Brooklyn-born, Staten Island–raised upbringing.
“Thrilled to be working with Brian and Comedy Dynamics. I’m so excited to finally share these true stories and have people laugh with me about my childhood trauma because if I don’t laugh I’ll cry,” said Guardino.
The special was filmed through Guardino’s production company, Anthony Street Productions, and written and performed by Guardino herself. It was produced by Chris DiPetta (Billy Gardell’s Halftime, Showtime’s Road Dogs), directed by Samuel Brownfield—known for his work with Jim Gaffigan—and edited by Brent Katz (Now You See Him). Musical arrangements were by Emmy-nominated composer David Dabbon (Oh Mary!, Beetlejuice The Musical), who also co-wrote the original song “Change in Me” with Guardino.
“I am so excited for the world to see Italian Bred because I know everybody will be laughing as hard as I did the first time I saw it! Comedy Dynamics is very proud to be in business with Candice!” said Brian Volk-Weiss, CEO of Comedy Dynamics.
Oscar-nominated actress Lorraine Bracco praised the production, stating, “Candice is such a talent! I love Italian Bred more and more every time I see it.”
About Candice Guardino
Darren S. Catallo, a loving husband and father, as well as a veteran of the Marine Corps, has completed his new book, “Rome Unconquered, 1599”: a fascinating alternative history novel that explores the lives of both Romans and Bavarians as their
Newman Springs Publishing is a fullservice publishing house for serious authors. Each title produced by Newman Springs Publishing undergoes every step of the professional publishing process, including editing, layout, cover design, circulation, distribution, and publicity. All titles are made available in both eBook and print formats. Newman Springs Publishing distributes to tens of thousands of retail outlets throughout North America and
Brooklyn-born and raised in a loud, loving Italian family on Staten Island, Candice Guardino transformed her unique upbringing into the hit theatrical comedy Italian Bred. A graduate of Wagner College’s Musical Theatre program, Guardino has performed regionally, toured nationally, and written for film and television, including projects for Sony Pictures.
Guardino is also the host of her fanfavorite podcast Don’t Start!, produced by Continued on page 12
CONSOLATO GENERALE
D’ITALIA
Mario Alberto Bartoli CONSOLE GENERALE
500 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1850 Chicago, IL 60611 phone: 312-467-1550
certified email (PEC): con.chicago@cert.esteri.it italcons.chicago@esteri.it Hours: (open to public) Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Onorario D’Italia/Honorary Vice Consul Joseph Colagiovanni
Honorary Vice Consul of Italy ITALIANCONSULSTL@GMAIL.COM 314-705-2413
VISTI/VISAS visti.chicago@esteri.it 312-995-5487
PASSAPORTI/DOCUMENTI VIAGGIO/ NAVIGAZIONE/ PASSPORTS/ EMERGENCY TRAVEL DOCUMENTS passaporti.chicago@esteri.it 312-995-5485
AIRE anagrafe.chicago@esteri.it 312-995-5485
ELETTORALE/ ELECTORAL elettorale.chicago@esteri.it 312-995-5485
STATO CIVILE/VITAL RECORDS chicago.statciv@esteri.it (312) 995 5485
CITTADINANZA/CITIZENSHIP cittadinanza.chicago@esteri.it (312) 995 5484
UFFICIO STUDENTI/CODICI FISCALI/ EQUIPOLLENZA TITOLI DI STUDIO/ COMMERCIALE/ STUDENT OFFICE/ FISCAL I.D./EQUIVALENCY OF DEGREES AND PROFESSIONAL TITLES/ COMMERCIAL commerciale.chicago@esteri.it 312-995-5486
NOTARILE/NOTARY legale.chicago@esteri.it 312-995-5483
UFFICIO SCUOLA/ EDUCATION OFFICE scuola.chicago@esteri.it 312-995-5489
Italian Trade Agency
401 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1720 Chicago, Illinois 60611 chicago@ice.it 312-670-4360 website:ice.it/it
Agenzia Nazionale del Turismo/ Italian Government Tourist Office
500 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2240, Chicago, IL 60611 312-644-0990 italiantourism.com
ONLY FOR ITALIAN CITIZENS WITH TRUE EMERGENCIES (accidents, arrests, etc.):
Available from 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. and from 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. CST Monday –Friday, and from 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, and holidays – Call +1(312) 909-0304
Emergencies between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. CT, contact the MAECI at 011 39 06 36912666
Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Chicago Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago 500 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1450 Chicago, IL 60611 phone: 312-822-9545 fax: 312-822-9622 email:iicchicago@esteri.it website:iicchicago.esteri.it
From March to April
Attend Owl Prowls at the World Bird Sanctuary
Visit the “Roads, Rivers, Rooms and Reels” Exhibition at the National Museum of Transportation Visit the Missouri History Museum for Thursday Nights at the Museum
See Saint Louis Dance Theatre in “Tour de Dance”
@SunsetSkin.STL
Continued from page 10
Anthony Street Productions and co-hosted with WWE host Sarah Schreiber. New episodes drop every Tuesday and feature inspiring celebrity guests alongside candid, laugh-out-loud conversations about life.
In 2026, Guardino will release her comedic essay book, Confessions of an Italian Bred Girl (Because Therapy is Expensive and Laughing at Myself is Free)—a brutally funny and deeply relatable take on family, adulthood, relationships, fertility struggles, and career chaos. The book serves as a heartfelt reminder that sometimes laughter truly is the best therapy.
Splitting her time between Los Angeles and New York City, Guardino lives with her husband Tom, their baby Maverick, and their feisty pup, Cannoli.
The Story of St. Joseph
Saint Joseph is one of the most revered figures in Christianity. Known as the earthly father of Jesus Christ and the husband of the Virgin Mary, Joseph is honored as a model of humility, obedience, faith, and quiet strength. Though he speaks no recorded words in the Gospels, his actions have echoed through centuries of Christian devotion, theology, and cultural tradition—especially within the Italian community.
Saint Joseph appears primarily in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. A carpenter by trade and a descendant of King David, Joseph lived in Nazareth. When he discovered that Mary was pregnant, he initially planned to divorce her quietly to spare her shame. However, after receiving a message from an angel in a dream, he accepted God’s will and took Mary as his wife, embracing his role in the divine plan.
Joseph protected Mary and the infant Jesus, most notably by leading them to safety in Egypt to escape King Herod’s massacre. His life reflects unwavering trust in God, moral courage, and devotion to family responsibilities. For these reasons, he is often regarded as the patron saint of fathers, workers, families, and the universal Church.
In 1955, Pope Pius XII established the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker on May 1, emphasizing Joseph’s dignity as a
laborer and highlighting the sacred value of work. Joseph’s example affirms that holiness can be found in ordinary daily life—in providing for one’s family, practicing integrity, and serving others quietly.
He is also considered a powerful intercessor. Many Catholics turn to Saint Joseph in times of need, trusting in his reputation as a protector and provider.
Saint Joseph holds a particularly profound place in Italian culture and among Italian diaspora communities around the world.
March 19, the Feast of Saint Joseph, is a major celebration in Italy. In regions such as Sicily, where severe droughts historically threatened crops and livelihoods, people prayed to Saint Joseph for relief. According to tradition, when rains finally came, communities prepared elaborate feasts in gratitude. This tradition continues today in the form of St. Joseph’s Tables—beautifully decorated altars filled with bread, pastries, fava beans, and other symbolic foods.
One of the most famous culinary traditions associated with the feast is the St. Joseph’s pastry, known in Italy as zeppole di San Giuseppe. These pastries are shared among family and neighbors, reinforcing the communal spirit that defines the celebration.
For Italian immigrants who journeyed to the United States, Canada, Argentina, and Australia in the late 19th and early 20th
centuries, Saint Joseph became a symbol of hope and stability. Leaving behind poverty and uncertainty, many families entrusted their well-being to him. Churches, neighborhoods, and mutual aid societies were often named in his honor.
In cities like New Orleans and Chicago, Italian-American communities continue to host large St. Joseph’s Day celebrations, complete with processions, Masses, and charitable food distributions. These events celebrate not only faith but also heritage, identity, and resilience.
A central theme of Saint Joseph’s Day in Italian tradition is charity. Food from St. Joseph’s Tables is often given to the poor, reflecting gratitude for blessings received and embodying Joseph’s spirit of generosity. This emphasis on helping those in need has strengthened community bonds for generations.
Saint Joseph’s greatness lies in his quiet faithfulness. He did not seek recognition or power; instead, he embraced responsibility, trusted God, and protected his family with steadfast love. For the Italian community, he represents more than a biblical figure—he is a cultural guardian, a symbol of perseverance, and a spiritual father.
For centuries, devotion to Saint Joseph has united families in faith and kindness, showing that true strength is gentle and leadership begins with humility.