Red Beans and Advice for Monday, March 20

Visiting St. Joseph’s Day altars

For years, I’ve seen photos and stories about the elaborate food altars in New Orleans that mark St. Joseph’s Day, celebrated on March 19.

This year, I finally got to visit some. St. Joseph, a carpenter, was the earthly father of Jesus Christ. He is the patron saint of many professions and places, including labor unions, travelers, immigrants, and crafts people. He is venerated in a number of countries and regions, most notably Sicily, where a large number of New Orleanians have roots.