Family keeps tradition of altar to St. Joseph
The family will open the doors Sunday to all who wish to partake.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- Shelley Manno and her family were uprooted from their home in New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina and placed here, but that is not enough to alter the tradition of building an altar.
Manno and her family were at Tulane University Hospital and Clinic in New Orleans the day after Katrina hit the city. They moved from floor to floor as the water rose and eventually were evacuated from the roof of the hospital by helicopter.
Manno said her family came to stay near other family members until the devastation is cleared. They plan to return to New Orleans in the summer.
Today, however, the living room of Manno's temporary home at 625 Church Hill Road has been transformed into an altar to St. Joseph -- a tradition the family refuses to let go. Breads, pastries, vegetables, candles and wine line a table in the room with a prominent picture of Jesus Christ in the center.
Manno and her mother, Rita Ramos, also of New Orleans, warn that no meat is to be included in the altar. Only things grown from the earth and from the sea can be included.
Manno stands over the altar, making sure all is where it should be, but said one thing is missing -- she was unable to find a whole red fish or crawfish anywhere in the area. Both items are usually included in the altar.
What's behind this
"A St. Joseph Altar is a celebration of the feast day of St. Joseph -- always on March 19," Manno said.
Manno said the celebration has its roots in Italy centuries ago during a time of famine. She said the hungry prayed to St. Joseph for a bountiful harvest and when it came, they began offering an annual feast to him.
Manno said she and her family have been building the altar annually for about 20 years. Furniture and supplies in the garage and den in the family home in New Orleans would be moved out to make room for the altar and all those who would partake.
Ramos said more than 400 people would sometimes make it to the home on March 19 to partake in the feast.
"We were not going to stop after doing it this many years," said Manno. "My parents were going to do it outside in New Orleans because there is no house, but I convinced them to come spend some time with me, so we are doing it here."
This year's altar is somewhat smaller than past altars in New Orleans, Ramos said, because other people, under normal circumstances, contribute to the altar's preparation. The family members prepared this altar and feast alone but are still willing to share it with all who come to the home Sunday.
"We always say anyone can eat at the house," Ramos said.
Usually those coming to share in the feast eat at the house, but with limited space, Manno said the family will likely be fixing plates to go.
jgoodwin@vindy.com