St. Joseph's Table Celebration Set For March 17

ORLAND PARK, IL — Orland Park holds its 5th annual Orland Community Saint Joseph’s Table in March with catering by Joey's Pizzeria and desserts by Warm Belly Bakery of Chicago.

Saint Joseph’s Table is a beloved Italian-American tradition that Orland observes with a community meal and a food drive.

The Saint Joseph Table tradition is said to date back to the Middle Ages when Sicilians prayed to Saint Joseph for relief from drought and famine. After it rained and crops were harvested, people celebrated by sharing their bounty. Today, Saint Joseph is the patron saint of workers and the protector of the family. He is honored with a feast day on March 19.

This year, Orland's celebration will be held at 1 p.m., Sun., March 17, at the Orland Park Civic Center. Village Trustee Daniel Calandriello hosts the event, and it is sponsored by the Sons and Daughters of Italy of America Leone D'Oro Lodge #2700.

“In the tradition of Saint Joseph’s Table, we will bring neighbors together, fostering a small town feel for Orland Park. It has always been a wonderful event. It is my hope that families come together and cherish the time they spend not only with their own family members but also with their neighbors," said Orland Park Village Trustee Dan Calandriello in a statement.

There is no fee to attend the event. Attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food items, which will be donated to the Orland Township Food Pantry.

Saint Joseph Table will be held from 1 to 3 p.m., Sun., March 17, at 14750 South Ravinia Avenue. It is open to the public. Call 708-606-3005 with questions.