An old-world tradition that has taken over the streets around Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church for a half a century returned to San Pedro once more this weekend — and celebrated its golden jubilee.
Shouts of “Viva San Giuseppe!” rang out again, as they always do, when parishioners and others joined to celebrate St. Joseph’s Day, honoring the church’s universal saint, on Sunday, March 19. The commemoration, organized by Mary Star’s Joseph’s Society, combines a Mass and a meatless “poor man’s” meal in the church auditorium.
The event marked its 50th anniversary on Sunday.
The procession around the church grounds, on Seventh and Eight streets, with the saint’s statue held aloft, traditionally draws the most enthusiasm. A couple portraying Mary and Joseph knock on closed doors until they reach their welcome at the church auditorium, where large portions of homemade and naturally grown foods await — typically including salad, pasta fazoli, squid (if available), bread and desserts.
The event is held on St. Jospeph’s Day, March 19, or on the nearest Sunday to that date. It commemorates deliverance from a famine in Sicily during the Middle Ages. For San Pedro, settled by immigrant European fishing families over the last century, the celebration is also a festive reminder of the town’s enduring ethnic mix.
It’s also grown into a profitable fundraiser for scholarships that are presented to students at Mary Star and other local high schools.
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