HAPPY SAINT JOSEPH'S DAY
On March 19th in New York City, people from Sicily, Campobasso, Molise, and Riccia, and their descendents celebrate the feast day of St. Joseph. Occurring, as it does, during the penitential season of Lent, this holy day was always treasured as a welcome break from "fast and abstinence" solemnity when indulgence in extravagant (albeit vegetarian) traditional dishes was the custom.

Since mid-March in NYC is still bleak winter [unlike balmy mid-March in
southern Italy], this celebration is even more cherished. March 19th's holiday
promises spring's renewal is not far away --

As I researched this holiday (which is admittedly close to my Sicilian heart)I decided to type into google "Saint Joseph" and "Divorce." I came up with a list of lawyers in Saint Joseph, Missouri(I didn't know there was such a place). I also discovered in my research that there is a high concentration of Sicilian immigrants in New Orleans and that most of the Italian immigrants from Naples came to NYC. Apparantly my grandparents were slightly off the mark and landed with the Neopolitans. Holidays and Feast days allow us to search our roots and traditions and hold them dear with memories of our families. I hope my children remember these traditions we try to pass on to them because as wonderful as the melting pot is, it is always nice to have some spice in the broth! Buona Festa San Giuseppi a tutta!!