St. Joseph Church
New Kensington, Pennsylvania

A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust
A Parish of the Diocese of Greensburg

The Reverend John S. Szczesny             The Reverend Alan W. Grote
         Pastor                                           Parochial Vicar

Traditions involving St. Joseph

St. Joseph Table

            March 19 is the occasion for a traditional show of hospitality, fittingly on the feast of St. Joseph, patron of charity to the poor, a happy home, and peace.  The tradition was brought to our country by Sicilian immigrants and includes inviting to the table all who come to the door.  Traditionally, the family table is extended full length and, as the altar used to be, moved against the wall with a statue of St. Joseph surrounded by flowers and candles as the centerpiece of a shrine.  Having enjoyed the hospitality, the fruits and vegetables, the breads and pastries, and the artistry of the hosts, guests move on, making room for more guests.  Beforehand, the priest has blessed the bounty and, afterward, any offering made by the guests is given to the poor.

The Joseph Legend of the Budding Staff of Lily

            Zechariah the high priest told Mary that in a revelation he was instructed by an angel to bring together marriageable men and have each leave his staff in the temple overnight.  The Lord's choice of a husband for Mary would be revealed through a sign.  In the morning, the staff of Joseph the carpenter was found to have blossomed, while those of the other suitors' were barren.

Burying a St. Joseph Statue to Sell Your Home

            St. Joseph's intercession is often sought in all sorts of family matters, including the sale of a home.  It is now a popular belief that burying a St. Joseph statue on your property can help you sell your home.

        The tradition of burying St. Joseph in the earth began hundreds of years ago during the time when St. Teresa of Avila was opening Carmelite Convents throughout Europe.  Taking only the bare necessities and their statue of St. Joseph, her nuns would set out in search of land or buildings suitable for a new convent.  St. Teresa of Avila always encouraged her nuns to pray to St. Joseph.

            It is believed that, on one particular search, the nuns found a piece of property perfect for their needs.  Having no money, the nuns immediately started to petition St. Joseph for the funds needed to buy the property.  In the meantime, having no place to stay, the nuns decided to bury their statue of St. Joseph on the property so he would not get stolen or broken.

            After the nuns prayed to St. Joseph, someone purchased the land and built them a convent.  When it was finished, the sisters dug up the statue and built a beautiful shrine inside in honor of St. Joseph.

              Many people want to ask for St. Joseph's intercession in the sale of their homes, but are hesitant to bury his statue.  There is another pious approach to take.  Rather than burying the statue, you can place the statue of St. Joseph in a prominent place in your home and pray the Memorare to St. Joseph.  If and when your home sells, St. Joseph must be taken with you and given a new place of honor in your new home.