As Staten Islanders anxiously await the arrival of spring and the promise of rebirth, a sacred annual tradition awaits a group of individuals whose faith is their inspiration year after year. St. Joseph, one of the most loved saints among Italian-Americans and the patron saint of the Universal Church, workers and the protector of families, is honored each year on March 19, his feast day.

According to legend, there was a famine in Sicily centuries ago. The villagers prayed to St. Joseph, foster-father of Jesus, and asked his intercession before the throne of God. Their prayers were answered. And when the famine ended, a special feast of thanksgiving was hosted to commemorate the miracle.