Orland Park Residents Invited To St. Joseph's Table

ORLAND PARK, IL – A long standing Italian American tradition, St. Joseph’s Table, will be held Sunday, March 18. Orland Park Village Trustee Dan Calandriello will host the event at the Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 South Ravinia Ave. The event begins at 1 p.m. and ends at 3 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

One of the most beloved saints among Italian-Americans, St. Joseph is the patron saint of workers and the protector of the family. He is honored with a feast day on March 19.

“I’m very excited to be hosting the fourth annual Sy. Joseph’s Table and am inviting the community to come together to enjoy a simple pasta dinner,” Calandriello said.

The Sons of Italy in America and Dist. 135 Tr. Michael Maratea are sponsoring this year’s St. Joseph’s Table.

“In the tradition of St. Joseph’s Table, we will bring neighbors together, fostering a small town feel for Orland Park. It has always been a wonderful event,” Maratea said. “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.

The St. Joseph Table tradition dates back to the Middle Ages when there was a severe drought in Sicily. The people prayed to their patron, St. Joseph, asking for relief from the famine. When the rains returned the people used their crops to give thanks and share their good fortune.

In the tradition of the St. Joseph’s Table, attendees will be asked to bring non-perishable food items. The items will be donated to the Orland Township Food Pantry.

“Sadly, just like the citizens of Sicily during the famine, many people are in need in our community and the donation to the Orland Township Food Pantry will help those neighbors,” Calandriello said.

The meal will be catered by Papa Joe’s Restaurant with desserts provided by Warm Belly Bakery of Chicago. The dinner includes pasta, salad, bread and desserts served with pop, water and coffee. There are no tickets for this event, just come with your non-perishable food item. Call 708-606-3005 with any questions.