Special to The Leader

St. Mary Parish Annual Alter honoring St. Joseph will be held at 912 West Cherry in Orange.

The St. Joseph Alter is going to be celebrated in our Parish on Sunday, March 19. It will be in our Parish Hall. The Chaplet will be recited at 10:30 a.m. and the Blessing of the Alter will be after 10 a.m. Mass. The meal will follow after Fr. Daleo blesses the Alter.

This tradition began in Sicily in thanksgiving for relief from the terrible famine that had gripped the island. The people of Sicily pleaded with St. Joseph, their patron saint, for help. To show their gratitude, when their prayers were answered, they prepared a table with a special assortment of foods they had harvested.

Whether a St. Joseph Alter is an elaborate display at a church or a humble table in a home, it is a reflection of a deep devotion to St. Joseph, the patron of those in need, workers, travelers, the persecuted, the poor, the aged, the dying. This celebration is for all members of St. Mary’s Church, it is not confined to any nationality. We must remember St. Joseph is the Patron Saint of the Universal Church. Please make plans to attend and help your Parish celebrate this wonderful devotion to St. Joseph.

Free will Love Offerings will be accepted by those participating with proceeds being distributed to local charitable organizations.