Sicilian tradition continues Saturday

Here is a riddle: How is it possible that two saints -- one born in the 16th century and another born more than 2,000 years ago -- can work together Saturday at St. Catherine of Siena Church and have an impact on people living in our area today?

The first, St. Vincent de Paul, was born in France in 1576. He was well-known for his work helping the needy, as well as for encouraging the wealthy to do charitable works.

His mission continues to this day through the works of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, which has a local chapter at St. Catherine of Siena Church in West Dundee. The organization provides assistance to those in need, whether financial or physical.

Now, for the second year in a row, the Society is collaborating with St. Joseph -- our second saint -- to celebrate the St. Joseph Table, an old Italian custom.

According to legend, the tradition began in Sicily many centuries ago when a terrible drought brought famine.

People prayed to St. Joseph for help and, when their prayers were answered, they held a special feast of thanksgiving to honor him.

I attended my first St. Joseph Table last year and all I can say is "Wow!"

Because the holiday usually falls during Lent, it is meatless. However, that does not mean that it was not lavish.

There was a beautiful T-shaped buffet set out on red tablecloths (St. Joseph's color, as St. Patrick had already taken green).

Guests could sample a variety of items, such as seafood and vegetable dishes. There also was pasta with a choice of sauces, including Pasta con Sarde, a traditional Sicilian dish of pasta with sardines.

The colorful fruit plates and the breads shaped in many different designs were a treat for the eye.

Some of the women used old family recipes for cookies, Cannoli and other Italian delicacies.

You certainly didn't have to be Catholic to take part; you only had to like good food.

This also was an opportunity to learn about another country's customs, one of which was the "Tupa-Tupa." Both adults and children are called upon to portray certain members of the Holy Family, saints and angels who come to enjoy the feast. As families left last year, they received a souvenir bag with a St. Joseph medal, a holy card, some fava beans and some blessed bread.

Fava beans are another St. Joseph Table tradition. During that drought, people were forced to eat the fava beans normally used for animal food in order to survive -- and felt lucky to have them.

Legend has it that if you carry one of these "lucky" beans in your pocket, you will never be broke and, if you keep one in your pantry, there always will be food in your kitchen. Too bad you can't put one in your gas tank.

Because St. Joseph's Feast Day (March 19) fell during Holy Week this year, the St. Joseph Table will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday in the St. Catherine Gymnasium, 845 W. Main St., West Dundee.

As is the custom, admission is free and an offering will be collected. Proceeds will help the St. Vincent de Paul Society carry out its good work with the poor.

The St. Joseph Table is a wonderfully tasty reminder that those of us who have received some measure of good fortune must share it with those who have less.

Spring gardening

A special spring gardening program will be offered at 2 p.m. Sunday at Platt Hill Nursery, Randall and Huntley roads, Carpentersville. The event is open to both members of the Fox River Valley Rose Society and others in our community.

Nursery staff will talk about new annuals, perennials, roses and garden products featured for spring. Admission is free; all lovers of green and growing things are encouraged to attend.

After this incredibly long and blustery winter, the prospect of the joys and benefits of gardening seem incredibly welcome.