Saint Joseph's day is a BIG day in our family. To provide a bit of background information about it, my Dad's middle name is Joseph. When Michael was born and we called my parents from Paris to tell them we gave birth to a boy- I told my Dad then that we had given Michael the middle name of Joseph in his honor. Because of the natural middle name link that Michael and my Dad share and because of Michael's perilous and faith-filled beginnings- Michael and my Dad were instantly bonded. Soon, my Dad began to celebrate their saint day together. For Michael's first two years of life- my Dad would call and send his blessing to Michael on March 19
th. By Michael's third birthday, it grew to something much bigger! My Dad hosted the first La
Festa di San
Guiseppe (Saint Joseph's Day) at my parents house. Each attendee was to bring an Italian dish of food and a monetary contribution that would be sent to a parish,
Saint Joseph's of Malawi, in
Africa. And can you believe that all of this was in the name of Michael? What an honor.
We had just visited Kirkland on February 20
th for Emily's baptism. Knowing that the two events (the baptism and the
Festa) were so close together- we knew that only a few of us would fly up again for St. Joseph's Day. Michael, Emily, and I flew up together and were excited to be able to partake in the festivities! For the last few years, I have been pregnant and not allowed to fly but I was good to go this year! We came in Friday night and had a small gift exchange with my Dad and Michael. My Dad got Michael an authentic Saint Joseph's University basketball jersey (similar to the one he gave Michael when he was three) and a few Nintendo
DS games. Michael was over the moon with his gifts and thanked his Grandpa. They of course shared a few words about the amazing Saint Joseph and we all got some sleep before the big set up the next morning.
Bright and early the next
morning, we headed up to the parish social hall where the stark room was transformed into and Italian oasis. Lights, Italian flags, a moon, and a giant poster of
Cicci (my Dad's Italian alter-ego) hung from the ceiling. Add a little mood lighting, checkered table cloths, a shrine for St. Joseph and a few other special touches and we were almost ready to receive the 200 guests who had planned on coming that night!
The food is always amazing as every guest brings an Italian dish. It is so delicious and a great way to try some new foods! Before we knew it- the room was flooded with guests who adhered to the red shirt uniform. St. Joseph's Day is the Italian
equivalent for the
Irish St. Patrick's Day. In Italy- St. Joe's day is also referred to as the
Wearin' of the Red (or at least that is what my Dad says). There were a lot of surprises in store for everyone that night. My parents know how to throw a great party! There was live entertainment, a silent auction, a few skits, a raffle, and of course a lot of fun planned for the evening. The greatest part for me was that Michael was having the best time!
After grace has been said, my Dad called Michael up to the front and had him stand on a chair. He then proceeded to explain the real origin of the event. He explains that because of Michael- the lives of so many in Africa have been changed for the better. So far, the
festas of the past have provided the
African village with a well so they could have clean drinking water, and this year- we were trying to raise money so that they could run electricity to a library where up until now- the children must read and study by candlelight. It is so amazing that
so few dollars on our part can literally change the quality of life for others. I was so proud of Michael as he stood up there with my Dad and proud of my Dad for recognizing the amazing
spirit and gift that is Michael! My Dad, who is so incredibly amazing, means the world to me. To see my Dad think the same of Michael is equally as incredible.
Once the party was over and the room was cleaned up- we all went back to my parents with a sense of accomplishment. Everyone had so much fun tonight and we raised money for a wonderful cause. I had a great time in Kirkland with Michael and Emily. Michael, although completely exhausted by the end of the night, understood some more of the significance surrounding his birth. He kept telling me, "You mean because I fought to live- kids in Africa have water and light?" "Exactly, Michael." He was in awe of the change that can be made in places we cannot see. He knows that somewhere- some boy his age is able to read a book or drink water because of his beginnings. It's a big, big world out there- but with a little effort and some great fun, we were able to make a HUGE difference in the lives of many.
Saint Joseph's day is a BIG day in our family. To provide a bit of background information about it, my Dad's middle name is Joseph. When Michael was born and we called my parents from Paris to tell them we gave birth to a boy- I told my Dad then that we had given Michael the middle name of Joseph in his honor. Because of the natural middle name link that Michael and my Dad share and because of Michael's perilous and faith-filled beginnings- Michael and my Dad were instantly bonded. Soon, my Dad began to celebrate their saint day together. For Michael's first two years of life- my Dad would call and send his blessing to Michael on March 19th. By Michael's third birthday, it grew to something much bigger! My Dad hosted the first La Festa di San Guiseppe (Saint Joseph's Day) at my parents house. Each attendee was to bring an Italian dish of food and a monetary contribution that would be sent to a parish, Saint Joseph's of Malawi, in Africa. And can you believe that all of this was in the name of Michael? What an honor.
We had just visited Kirkland on February 20th for Emily's baptism. Knowing that the two events (the baptism and the Festa) were so close together- we knew that only a few of us would fly up again for St. Joseph's Day. Michael, Emily, and I flew up together and were excited to be able to partake in the festivities! For the last few years, I have been pregnant and not allowed to fly but I was good to go this year! We came in Friday night and had a small gift exchange with my Dad and Michael. My Dad got Michael an authentic Saint Joseph's University basketball jersey (similar to the one he gave Michael when he was three) and a few Nintendo DS games. Michael was over the moon with his gifts and thanked his Grandpa. They of course shared a few words about the amazing Saint Joseph and we all got some sleep before the big set up the next morning.
Bright and early the next morning, we headed up to the parish social hall where the stark room was transformed into and Italian oasis. Lights, Italian flags, a moon, and a giant poster of Cicci (my Dad's Italian alter-ego) hung from the ceiling. Add a little mood lighting, checkered table cloths, a shrine for St. Joseph and a few other special touches and we were almost ready to receive the 200 guests who had planned on coming that night!
The food is always amazing as every guest brings an Italian dish. It is so delicious and a great way to try some new foods! Before we knew it- the room was flooded with guests who adhered to the red shirt uniform. St. Joseph's Day is the Italian equivalent for the Irish St. Patrick's Day. In Italy- St. Joe's day is also referred to as the Wearin' of the Red (or at least that is what my Dad says). There were a lot of surprises in store for everyone that night. My parents know how to throw a great party! There was live entertainment, a silent auction, a few skits, a raffle, and of course a lot of fun planned for the evening. The greatest part for me was that Michael was having the best time!
After grace has been said, my Dad called Michael up to the front and had him stand on a chair. He then proceeded to explain the real origin of the event. He explains that because of Michael- the lives of so many in Africa have been changed for the better. So far, the festas of the past have provided the African village with a well so they could have clean drinking water, and this year- we were trying to raise money so that they could run electricity to a library where up until now- the children must read and study by candlelight. It is so amazing that so few dollars on our part can literally change the quality of life for others. I was so proud of Michael as he stood up there with my Dad and proud of my Dad for recognizing the amazing spirit and gift that is Michael! My Dad, who is so incredibly amazing, means the world to me. To see my Dad think the same of Michael is equally as incredible.
2 comments:
This is such a touching post. What a great celebration and you are doing so much good. Lisa, your dad is truly inspirational. I only hope to be as good of a parent/grandparent.
crying.
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