The Bounty of the Altar

Written by Michael Miller on the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary

New Orleans, Louisiana has a special place in my heart. It is where I graduated from college, learned how to cook red beans & rice and fell in love with my wife. Every so often, I crave crawfish boils, sno­balls and beignets so badly that the only cure is to get on a plane and go visit. This time of year, I also remember a Catholic tradition I first encountered there -­ the St. Joseph altar.

The tradition of the St. Joseph altar has its roots in Sicilian culture. After experiencing a drought, prayers, asking the intercession of St. Joseph, were answered and the crops thrived once again. A special table was prepared with the harvest. After honoring St. Joseph, the harvest feast was shared with others, particularly those most in need.

Italian immigrants brought this tradition to New Orleans and, over the years, St. Joseph altars have become increasingly elaborate. The tradition, however, remains much the same – honoring the legacy of St. Joseph. Because he is the patron saint of workers, travelers and immigrants, the feast of the St. Joseph altar is shared with those in need. Whether located in an individual’s home or in a Church cafeteria, no one is turned away from enjoying the bounty of the altar.

In this Jubilee Year of Mercy, the St. Joseph altar can be a reminder of God’s abundant mercy — shared with everyone in need. While I certainly crave New Orleans cuisine from time to time, my craving for God’s love and mercy endures. Today, on this feast of St. Joseph, I will ask God for the grace to grow in the practice of hospitality and to better share the love and mercy I receive with everyone I encounter.

Questions for Reflection:
Am I experiencing any spiritual droughts in my life? Am I bringing these to prayer?
Where do I see workers, travelers and immigrants in my community? How might I share God’s love and mercy with them?

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Michael Miller, Jr.
Michael is the Regional Chief Mission Officer for Saint Joseph Mercy Health System. He studied philosophy at Loyola University New Orleans (BA ’01), liturgy at Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis (MA ’07) and bioethics at Loyola University Chicago (MA ’15). He and his wife (Sarah) hang out with their daughter (Ella) and dog (Tipitina). He prefers Hansen’s Sno­Bliz, but would never refuse a trip to Plum St. Sno­Balls.
Email: michaelmillerjr@gmail.com