A Table for Saint Joseph: Celebrating March 19th with Devotions, Authentic Italian Recipes, and Timeless Traditions

The celebration of Saint Joseph's Day dates back to the Middle Ages, when a severe famine devastated Sicily. The poor farmers prayed to God and to Saint Joseph, their patron saint, for rain. When the rains came, the crops flourished. The farmers rejoiced and gave thanks with a feast. They fed everyone, "the greatest and the least" in thanksgiving. Tavola di San Giuseppe-Table of Saint Joseph-lives on today throughout the world in homes, churches, and organizations. Viva San Giuseppe!

Mary Anne Scanlan Grasso, retired from teaching middle school and college-level English as a second language, has written several children's books. She plans to publish The Wolf Who Went to School in 2014. She and her husband, Johnnie, enjoy spending time with their family in Houston, Texas.