Celebrating La Tavola di San Giuseppe with the Associazione Culturale Pugliese Figli Maria SS. Addolorata in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn

La Tavola di San Giuseppe
Photos by New York Scugnizzo

Sunday afternoon, I had the great pleasure of joining my friends of the Associazione Culturale Pugliese Figli Maria SS. Addolorata for their annual La Tavola di San Giuseppe and Easter celebration at St. Athanasius School in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. As always, the society went above and beyond, transforming Saint A’s auditorium into a veritable paese della cuccagna, or land of plenty. 

Fr. Michael Panicali, Parochial Vicar of St. Mark's in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn

Mass was celebrated by Fr. Michael Panicali, who spoke at length about San Giuseppe and the importance of maintaining, in the face of a hostile society, the masculine virtues (loving father, devoted husband, hard working provider, etc.) embodied by Jesus’ stepfather. The service concluded with a blessing of the Easter baskets and Saint Joseph’s Table.

Chalice with pall, ciborium and cruets

After Mass, partygoers enjoyed a fun-filled evening with a sumptuous repast, replete with homemade southern Italian delicacies, plenty of dancing, games (egg hunt, raffles, 50/50), and the coronation of the society’s new “King” and “Prince.” The children even got a surprise visit from the Easter Bunny and a slew of festive helpers.

Roman Missal

Thank you President Lucrezia Nardulli, Josephine DiDonna, JoAnn Marinelli, Bernadette Codispoti and the rest of the Association for your hard work and dedication. Your warmth and generosity is second to none. It’s always a pleasure to celebrate our faith and culture with you. Evviva San Giuseppe!

Fr. Panicali blesses Francesco Lioce, the society's
"Father of the Year" recipient and his statue of St. Joseph

Fr. Panicali blesses the children's Easter baskets

La Tavola di San Giuseppe

After Mass, Fr. Panicali blesses the table

Guests break bread after the blessing

Antipasti galore

Focaccia Pugliese

Funghi ripieni and cavolo cappuccio stufato

Arancini and tiella di patate, cipolle e pomodori

Pasta con sarde, mafaldine di San Giuseppe, and tortellini con piselli

Frutta mista, the healthy option for dessert

Dolci assortiti, the delicious option for dessert

Table laden with raffle prizes

(L) Newly crowned, "Prince" Giovanni is flanked by his princely predecessors, Jack and Nicola. (R) Golden egg hunt winner, Salvatore gets his prize

A lighthearted moment with Vito, Lucrezia, and newly crowned "King" Joe, and his regal forerunners Dominic and Michael

Partygoers trip the light fantastic