BELLEVUE—Pilgrims at the Sorrowful Mother Shrine in Bellevue celebrated the feast of St. Joseph March 19 by following the Italian tradition of giving “St. Joseph Bread” (food donations) to the poor. The Fish and Loaves food bank in Bellevue received the donated food.

Precious Blood Father Yuri (George) Kuzara, director of the Sorrowful Mother Shrine in Bellevue, blesses food brought by pilgrims March 19, the feast of St. Joseph, to be donated to the Fish and Loaves food bank in Bellevue. (Photo courtesy of Joe Centers)

According to Italian tradition, during a severe drought in Sicily during the Middle Ages, the people prayed to St. Joseph for rain. They promised if the drought ended, they would hold a feast in his honor.

Today, in Italy and elsewhere, the feast day is celebrated by sharing food with the poor. Special bread, shaped like the beard or staff of St. Joseph, is often baked by families of Italian heritage. Traditionally, a family with “St. Joseph Bread” in the house will never starve.