This year as the COVID-19 pandemic hopefully winds down, Colleen and Joan Gullo organized an “old world” altar in honor of St. Joseph at St. Anthony of Padua Church.

 

Held at St. Anthony Parish since the early 1970s, this year’s altar was smaller, vertical and in the church itself, built around the statue of St. Joseph. The altar included bakery items, fruits, vegetables as well as decorative cakes, breads and cookies.

 

Franciscan Father James Ciaramitaro, OFM Conv., pastor, blessed the altar after the 4:30 p.m. Mass on March 12. At the blessing, parishioners were invited to light a provided candle that would then be placed upon the altar. 

 

Several people assisted in creating the altar including Father Ciaramitaro who climbed a ladder to affix the highest levels of fresh flowers around St. Joseph. 

 

The traditional Pasta con Sarde, a meatless pasta dinner, was served as carry-out only from the parish hall the following day.