Betty Schoettle remembers seeing a rosary cake for the first time in around 2001, at St. Mark's Church in St. Bernard Parish in New Orleans. We hope to see you there! The Sicilians' mere existence was a daily struggle. 1945: 99). She and her husband worked together to design and create the cake. Visitors have the opportunity to see the altar one more time before it is dismantled. Prayer to Saint Joseph by the Congregation of the Sisters of Jesus and Mary; . The cakes are carved and decorated in various altar-themed designs, including the Bible and crosses, among others. Documents Over the last 37 years, they've been to various Catholic parishes all over Baton Rouge." al. Father Miles Walsh blesses the altar at Cypress Springs. The guests are then invited to the cafeteria, where they partake of a meal. The Mussos belong to the Greater Baton Rouge American Italian Association, which they describe as the social aspect of the local Italian community. . our roles as Christian adults); the importance of daily prayer; living as Disciples of Christ; and evangelizing just to name a few. To offer a place of healing and evangelization where Gods suffering people and their families, young and old, can find spiritual consolation and guidance, comfort and peace. Activity Source: Viva San Giuseppe by St. Joseph Guild, St. Joseph Guild, 1200 Mirabeau Ave, New Orleans, Louisiana 70122. Their accounts of St. Joseph's Day include a sample Personal Column from a period newspaper, with public invitations to attend St. Joseph altars in private New Orleans homes. In this context, altar hosts often burned the prayers, sending them up to God as incense. Mary continued her work with St. Joseph altars until shortly before her death in 2014 at the age of 96. Breads, cakes, and cookies, baked in symbolic Christian shapes, are prepared for the altar. In spite of the altar's transition from private homes to public venues, many of the traditional foods and customs have remained the same in the Louisiana version of this tradition. Her late husband, Milton Schoettle, sought help and prayers from Sister Dulce when he was dealing with his cancer. March 31, 2015. by Our She also enjoyed 19 happy years with Milton. She is also most grateful to Carolyn and Anthony Musso, Elizabeth (Betty) Schoettle, Eddie and Nickie Dimaio, and Debi Grymes for their generosity in sharing the time and knowledge that made this project possible. Left to right: St. Joseph cakes at the 2015 Cypress Springs altarBetty Schoettle left, Maurice Bakery right; Cakes at the 2016 Cypress Springs altarSacred Heart and Lamb cakes by Betty Schoettle. Cypress Springs Mercedarian Prayer Center celebrates St. Joseph's Altar on a Sunday near the feast day of St. Joseph. SUPPORTED SISTER FOUNDATION. During the latter part of the 19th century, Anthony's great-grandfather was among a generation of Sicilians who crossed the Atlantic each year to cut sugar cane along the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. For Betty and her crew, coming up with new designs and finding ways to create them through both innovative and tried-and-true techniques is an annual delight and challenge, a testament to their creativity and ingenuity. Saint Joseph Altar - March 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM 17560 George Oneal Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70817. It was good for them, because it kept them alive. ancient yellow granite. As many as 35 to 40 volunteers may help prepare for the Grandsons' altar. In February 1814 it was replaced by the mosaic after Guido Reni's Crucifixion of Saint Peter, which previously had been in the sacristy. the mosaic after Guido Reni's Crucifixion of Saint Peter, which previously of Culture, Recreation & Tourism, Louisiana Folklife Program, PO Box 44247, Baton Rouge, LA 70804, tel 225-342-8180. Sister Dulce remained faithful throughout Milton's illness, praying with him every week until his passing in 2011. Debbie made themed cakes for friends' birthdays and other special occasions, including St. Joseph altars. Debbie had never heard of a rosary cake. They pleaded to St. Joseph, their patron, for relief from the famine that gripped the island. Carolyn Musso and helpers for the 2014 altar at Ollie Steele Burden Manor. Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, she was raised in a large traditional family with "Mom and Dad and six siblings," reports Sister Dulce. 2014 Grandsons of Italy altar at Sacred Heart Church. They used an old-fashioned meat grinder to prepare the fig filling for the cuccidati. As with the Grandsons of Italy altar, the Immaculate Conception altar crew "begs" for donations of food, groceries, cake mixeswhatever is needed to make the altar. She says, 'This is all about family. When Milton became ill, fellow church members began helping to make and transport the cakes. God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us. And that's what was passed down to my husband, to me, our families. Figs are a main crop in Jerusalem and along the Mediterranean coast, including Sicily. The 1945 publication, Gumbo Ya-Ya: A Collection of Louisiana Folk Tales, contains a chapter on St. Joseph's Day. Over the past 18 years, Clement has welcomed thousands to her home, their stories encouraging her to continue the family tradition. Sister Dulce Mariahas prayed with and comforted the sick, terminally ill and their families. In Denham Springs, Betty Schoettle and a crew of dedicated volunteers prepare intensively for the Church of the Immaculate Conception and the Cypress Springs Mercedarian Prayer Center altars. 2015. From a very young age, Sister Dulce Maria felt very drawn to the Lord. This ministry offers those people an opportunity to seek the Lords help during this struggle. Once the Holy Family has eaten, they greet the guests and often hand out lucky fava beans, a rosary, or other favors. But Saint Joseph's Day, with its altars, celebrations and religious ceremonies, belongs to the Italians. These private revelations to Sister Mary Mildred Neuzil (known earlier as Sister Mary Ephrem) in Ohio were fully known by Archbishop Paul Leibold who was Sister Mary Ephrem's spiritual. Most of the foods presented on the altar are acquired through begging, a symbol gesture that represents what the poor of Sicily were forced to do. The values we want to instill in our children and grandchildren. Milton helped Betty with the baking and also made specialty breads for the altars. The clip shows a beautifully constructed altar, interviews several people about the St. Joseph Day Altar tradition, and also illustrates how the ritual is embraced by the community. The bean was the only crop that survived a severe drought in Sicily during the Middle Ages, a drought that St. Joseph is credited with ending through divine intervention and dried beans. Sandy was born in Aurora. The dried out wheat stalks cracked beneath the feet of the poor farmers as they walked through their barren fields. Photo: Laura Marcus Green. When the feast is over, the remaining food and whatever money has been contributed are given to the poor. Secchi, Fabrizio Parsi, and Giulio Perificati was placed on the altar Photo: Laura Marcus Green of Musso family photos. The following day, the altar opens with a ceremony featuring the Tupa-Tupa, a pageant featuring the Holy Family visiting the altar. She does this to show what Sicilians have brought to Louisiana. The following year, when Milton Schoettle was diagnosed with cancer, Betty turned to Sister Dulce for help, asking her to pray with Milton. Betty's father also began to assist with the St. Joseph altar at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Catholic Church, for which he made all of the breads and the cuccidati, special fig pastries. 17560 George Oneal Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70817. Baskets of colorful gilded beans and beans painted like little Italian flags are placed on the altars. 08. Carolyn has collected traditional Sicilian recipes that she has compiled into a cookbook for her children and grandchildren, as part of their cultural legacy. It's becoming a tradition for other races, also. Parish Office / Mailing Address. A place that will continue to nurture families even after the journey of their loved one is complete. She calculates the quantities of flour, sugar, and other ingredients needed in baking items for the Grandsons' altar, so that Anthony can request the correct amounts from the companies who donate them. In 1999 she received her first communion, and in 2001 she was confirmed. In a given year, the baking crew might use as many as 162 pounds of sugar and 72 pounds of powdered sugar. The feast is alternately a source of petition and thanksgiving. Sister Mary George Pusateri visits the Noote family St. Joseph Altar which is taking place from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 208 Cougar Dr. in Arabi on March 19, 2014. The nuns knew Betty, as she attended their altar on the eve of St. Joseph's Day each year. The St. Joseph altar is erected in three levels to symbolize the most blessed Trinity. Anthony and Carolyn Musso explain his Sicilian family's roots in Louisiana, and describes the altar tradition in his family. In addition to concerns about security, he feels that as his parents' generation aged and passed away, the private altars became too much of a burden for one family. Field notes by Maida Owens. This ministry, through Sister Dulce, serves as a catalyst for those wanting and seeking to further their spiritual life on an individual basis. The first items that are prepared for the altar are Italian-style casseroles, since they can be made in advance and frozen. the columns at the sides of the altars, in fluted porphyry, yellow and Betty's family eventually moved to St. Bernard Parish, where she spent her 33-year career in education. Because of this custom, altar guests might request a hunk of bread from the altar. St. Joseph's Feast Day is a tradition that centers on the entire family. Sharing a Special Prayer to St. Joseph. Betty Schoettle looks at photos from her album of cakes that she and others have decorated, mostly from her time in New Orleans. At this time, although retired, Betty was still working, preparing accreditation reports for schools around the state. After paying honor to St. Joseph, they distributed the food to the less fortunate. Pick some up for good luck! The statue of St Joseph is processed from Sacred Heart Cathoic Church to the Grandsons of Italy altar in the school gymnasium. Stuffed eggplant, fresh fruit and vegetables, and stuffed artichokes on the 2014 Grandsons of Italy altar. _____. And no St. Joseph altar would be complete without a dish of lucky fava beans, symbolizing hope. Cypress Springs Mercedarian Prayer Center offers several opportunities for adults to further their spiritual lives. Appealing to a miracle performed by St. Joseph, this practice is thought to calm the storm, as well as those who are going through it. She turned to the sisters at Cabrini for help in learning the recipes, as no-one had ever taught her. It is adorned with a statue of St. Joseph holding the infant Jesus, candles, religious articles, pictures of the Holy Family, a crucifix, carpenter's tools, and Lily flowers which symbolize chastity and purity. Plus it kept their cattle alive. The practice of begging is meant to replicate the humbling experience of having to ask for help, fostering empathy for those who are without food or money to buy it. Field recording by Laura Marcus Green. Somehow, however, at the end of the Immaculate Conception altar, these cakes were gone. Food and donations are then distributed to the public with leftovers going to the poor. Eventually, the cake operation moved entirely to the Immaculate Conception kitchen. Anthony observes that even as people honor St. Joseph at the altar, it is important to remember Mary, the mother. Betty's father was a talented baker and chef, who readily took to preparing the special altar breads and pastries. Join us at Cypress Springs Mercedarian Prayer Center for our Saint Joseph Altar! According to Betty, the St. Joseph altar began at St. Frances Cabrini as a way to teach the children who attended school there the history of this tradition. Grandsons of Italy cooks garnish their pasta dishes with mudica, rather than parmesan cheese. Our bread is packaged with its intended use in mind - that of becoming the Body of Christ. Pane de San Giuseppe (St. Joseph's Bread), Book of Blessings: Blessing of Saint Joseph's Table. Betty makes a rosary cake and other cakes for Cypress Springs Mercedarian Prayer Center's St. Joseph Altar every year. Anthony remembers when there were at least 15 altars every year in Baton Rouge. Drawing on the theme of agricultural plenty, fruits and vegetables are prominently featured on the altar. March 19. An ancient Ultimately, in around 1900, he settled permanently in Louisiana, bringing his wife and daughter, Lena, to the area. Joseph, Mary's husband, and blessed by Pope Pignolata cookies represent the pinecones that Jesus and his contemporaries played with as a toy. Among Louisiana's Sicilian American community he holds special significance as the patron saint of Sicily, their ancestors' home country. They would feed the entire town. Now, it is a regular part of her St. Joseph altar cake repertoire. To provide housing for the Mercedarian Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament who will be available to support and provide spiritual guidance for all those who seek comfort. A lengthy famine seized the island and the dry, cracked earth yielded no life giving crops. When the feast is over, the remaining food and whatever money has been contributed are given to the poor. This explains the custom of St. Joseph tables being covered with meatless dishes. But whatever the reasons people become involved. The presence of bread on the altar is itself significant, as Sicily was for centuries considered the breadbasket for all of Italy. April 2. People were poor and they didn't have a lot. March 15. Laura Marcus Green, Ph.D. is Folklife and Traditional Arts Program Director at the University of South Carolina's McKissick Museum and the South Carolina Arts Commission in Columbia, South Carolina. While this altar is smaller than the large church altars, it includes all of the key ingredients. Angels and favorite saints may also be included in the ritual, which begins with the "saints" going door to door to seek aid until finally reaching the place where the altar is on display. Betty explains that the carved cakes made for the altar contain sacred designs. Many families believe that having a St. Joseph Altar can bring good fortune. Around that time, having neglected her own health while caring for her ailing father and grandmother, Betty was facing a surgery on March 21st, just days after St. Joseph's day. Fr. Generally, the altar is ready by noon on Saturday. News, analysis & spirituality by email twice-weekly from CatholicCulture.org. The research for this article began in 2014 was completed in 2015 and published in 2016 as part of the Baton Rouge Folklife Survey and was funded in part by an Archie Green Fellowship from the Library of Congress. Each bead in this rosary cake contains a baby footprint, and a lifelike baby made from fondant is nestled near the cake. The rosary's center piece was decorated with an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, who is considered the Patroness of the Unborn. In his New Orleans home, he faithfully hosted a St. Joseph altar for 58 years. had been in the sacristy. Betty and Milton were granted an appointment right away. Betty is happy to train volunteers but she finds that many either have previous baking and cake decorating experience or an innate gift for this work. In this context, a rosary is made from "beads" that are small round cakes, arranged on a table in the form of a rosary. When the mother died, her daughter called Carolyn, requesting permission to fulfill this promise. Betty Schoettle and some of her altar cake crew from the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Denham Springs have taken a class from a cuccidati master in order to keep this tradition a part of their St. Joseph altar. Not only do church members volunteer, but others who happen to come to the church for community meetings also become involved. Her dining room was small, so her altar was considered a St. Joseph "table." St. Joseph is a very important part of the family, he's the father figure for us all.". Decorating the altar - Carolyn Musso places red roses near a statue of St Joseph with Baby Jesus at the 2014 Grandsons of Italy altar. The first St. Joseph Altar set up on the Island of Sicily was a small one, of course. Event Calendar; St. Joseph Altar; Dining By Design; LaPosada - Children's Christmas Event; Guest Speaker Series; Retreats; Monthly Spirituality. Ever the perfectionist, she researched the rosary to be sure that the cake had the proper number of beads, 55, in the correct formation. print Info 19 Mar Saint Joseph Altar - March 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM 17560 George Oneal Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70817 Read More 25 Mar A Day of Insight with Jeff Cavins March 25th Retreat 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM Cypress Springs Mercedarian Prayer Center Read More 01 Mar Men's Spirituality Class - March 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM Chapel of Divine Providence Read More 08 Mar Rather, it has become a public event which its devoted participants embrace for a host of private and personal reasons. He began devotions to St. Joseph and wore a St. Joseph medal around his neck. Betty's wedding bouquet consisted of St. Joseph lilies from her garden. Among her favorite designs over the years was a cookie rosary decorated in the colors of the Italian flagred, green, and white. Italian Catholic by descent, Debbie had not been familiar with the St. Joseph altar tradition before moving to Louisiana. Photo: Courtesy of Debbie Daigle. And I have this one lady who, for the past few years, I would see her. Elizabeth (Betty) Schoettle describes attending St. Joseph altars during her childhood in New Orleans. Carolyn explains, "This is what we believe in. In 2015, through mutual friends, Debbie was approached by someone who wanted to donate a rosary cake to the Cypress Springs Mercedarian Center's St. Joseph altar. St. Joseph candles, St. Joseph Lucky beans, and St. Joseph prayer cards will be available. And [the people] prayed to St. Joseph to relieve the drought and to help their crops to grow. Most of the foods presented on the altar are acquired through begging, a symbol gesture that represents what the poor of Sicily were forced to do. while two identical ones flank the corresponding altar dedicated to St. 1 of 37 Mrs. Peter Galiote works on her 1941 St. Joseph altar. Carolyn Musso also works with a group of women each year to make an altar for the residents of Ollie Steele Burden Manor, a nursing home. It was not until she lived in Denham Springs that she tried her hand at making her own rosary cake. The decoration of She hadn't planned on applying her new skills towards making decorative St. Joseph altar cakes, but this was a natural progression. Interview by Laura Marcus Green. Over time, Betty has become a driving force in the Church of the Immaculate Conception's cake production, and more recently at the Cypress Springs Mercedarian Prayer Center in Baton Rouge. She remembers visiting altars in people's homes on the eve of St. Joseph's Day, going from house to house, on an annual "family field trip.". Betty Schoettle relates that the number three represents the Holy Trinitythe Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. She began making specialty cakes for friends' birthdays and other occasions. The Mussos explain that since the climates are similar, Sicilian immigrants felt at home in Louisiana. A printed schedule of cooking and baking sessions goes out to all of the volunteers. The altar begins with a 4:00 mass, to which four Grandsons of Italy members carry a statue of St. Joseph. of Saint Peter's by Frank DiFrederico Only the bread was purchased from a bakery. To provide opportunities for those who seek a deeper understanding of their faith through prayer and counsel. But as time went on and the tradition took hold, the flamboyant nature and creative spirit of the Italians . Sister lectures and leads conversations on different topics that affect our everyday living (i.e. Typically, someone in his family hosted an altar each year. A Companion for Life: Betty Schoettle's St. Joseph Traditions, The Role of Food: Sustaining Culture and Belief, Many Hands Make for a Community Tradition: Cakes, Cookies, and Pastries, A Tradition for All: The Importance of St. Joseph Altars, The St. Joseph's Day Altar Tradition In Monroe, The Performance Ritual of Saint Joseph's Day: A Stranger at the Door, Italian Traditions in Independence, Louisiana, Cultural Catholicism in Cajun-Creole Louisiana, Mexican Home Altars and Da de los Muertos Traditions: Finding the Way Home Through Art and Heritage, Louisiana's Traditional Cultures: An Overview. In 2016, Betty Schoettle, Frances King, and Mary and Louis Landry made this rosary cake for the Cypress Springs altar. Come and witness the support and gratitude to St. Joseph for blessings received. For too long there had been no rain to nourish the crops that sustained life for most of the island. Sometimes the prayers are written in Italian. Cuccidati decorated in the shape of a chalice or monstrance symbolize Holy Communion. Perhaps Saint Joseph's appeal to them lies largely in their knowledge that he was one of the common, hard-working people of the world like the vast majority of mankind. St. Charles Borromeo, St. Gertrude, Holy Family and St. Anthony of Padua Catholic churches are among those hosting an altar this year. And so the Italians, the Grandsons of Italy, joined and formed this organization, to keep the tradition going. Retired from the military, Debbie began decorating cakes as a hobby when her husband took up cake carving, inspired by the cake television shows that highlighted this art form.
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