March celebrates the lives of two holy men

In non-COVID years, St. Patrick is celebrated March 17 by the Irish and Irish well-wishers with a parade, a party and a pint.

St. Joseph, claimed by Italians, is celebrated March 19. Joseph is Italy’s patron saint because he answered the prayers of Sicilians during a disastrous drought in medieval times. He did so with an abundance of rain that saved the fava bean crop and thereby saved lives.

While St. Joseph is celebrated all over Italy with feasts and parades, it wasn’t until 1970 that residents of the Little Palermo community in New Orleans organized the first United States parade to honor their patron. It has become an annual event that could be worth placing on one’s bucket list. The Irish wear green; the Italians wear red. The Irish bake soda bread; the Italians bake Zeppole di San Giuseppe; the shamrock symbolizes St. Patrick; the lily is a symbol of St. Joseph.

While I grew up thinking there was no saint like Patrick, I’ve come to appreciate Joseph, a gentle family man, a capable protector and very probably an unassuming but reliable neighbor. Kind, low-key, and a carpenter – yes, a man who could fix things – Joseph would be worth his weight in gold to every senior who doesn’t own a hammer, refuses to get on a ladder and is forever looking for a handyman willing to do small jobs.

Credit is due to St. Patrick for getting rid of the devilish snakes in Ireland, and congratulations for his life’s journey from a poor prisoner to an influential bishop.

However, I have to say that St. Joseph’s down-to-earth demeanor and his invaluable skill set have me reconsidering who else deserves a parade.