A tradition in Italian communities was introduced to about 200 Catholics in Little Rock March 19. The red, green and white colors of the Italian flag greeted guests for a party in west Little Rock on the feast of St. Joseph.
The party was hosted by St. Vincent Health System and Peter Banko, president and CEO, and his wife, Liz (photo above). Bishop Anthony B. Taylor was the special guest.
“It has been a tradition in my family all my life,” Liz Banko said. “I have a father and brother named Joseph and my son’s middle name is Joseph.”
The centerpiece of the party was a St. Joseph altar or table, which is customarily filled with a St. Joseph statue, fish, pastries, fruits and vegetables. The tradition started in Sicily when they prayed to their patron during a drought. In thanksgiving for a good harvest, they prepared the first altar.
When guests like Sister Mary Lou Stubbs, DC, (at left in photo), director of Catholic Charities, left the party, they were given a bag containing a St. Joseph prayer card, biscotti made by Liz Banko and a fava bean, which is a symbol of luck.
“We hope that you use the spirit of the evening to reflect on the true meaning of what it means to be Catholic and catholic — concerning all humankind especially the poor and underserved,” the Bankos wrote in their note to guests.
Blessings and luck on feast day
