Parishioners of St. John the Baptist Church in Front Royal
were greeted with a heavenly scene after the vigil Mass March
19. As the weather outside grew frightful, Ruehl Hall filled
with dozens of families for the parish's annual St. Joseph's
day table event. The event centerpiece was a multitier altar
adorned with flowers, statues, food and candles, objects
symbolizing St. Joseph's life and devotion to the Holy
Family.
The celebration was spearheaded five years ago by
parishioners Michael Turner and Joyce Blankenship. During a
home improvement project at Blankenship's house, the two
discovered their devotion to the Carpenter Saint and love of
the Italian St. Joseph's table tradition.
Blankenship and her right-hand-lady Kathy McGurk worked for
hours getting the table ready.
"Our intention is to honor St. Joseph by increasing devotion
to him to make his work and virtues known," said Blankenship.
"You glorify God when you do these things, so you honor
Joseph but you are glorifying God. (The saints) are our
friends and we have to thank them for what they have done.
Joseph we have to thank for all the services he rendered on
to Mary and Jesus."
After guests enjoyed a potluck dinner, children from the
religious education program sang hymns and shared some
thoughts about the humble carpenter.
"He went through a lot letting Jesus get born without getting
killed," said student Blake Folks.
Turner led everyone in a reflection of the sorrows and joys
of St. Joseph, a tradition originating after two Franciscan
priests were shipwrecked off the coast of Holland. As the
story goes, the pair was rescued by St. Joseph who asked them
to share the devotion.
Pointing to the second sorrow depicting St. Joseph faced with
the poverty of Jesus' birth, Turner expressed how much the
image helps him relate to the saint on a personal level.
"What I really love about it is looking through the eyes of
the foster father," said Turner. "I recognize his face. As a
man you have to solve the problem and imagine having to say
to his wife, 'You have to have the baby here.'"
According to parishioner Chris Schaper, St. Joseph's humility
and obedience through hardship makes him a good role model
for young men who are fearful of the future.
The St. Joseph table's popularity shows the community's
devotion to the humble saint. Many parishioners attribute the
area's Catholic growth to his intercession, which seemed to
blossom after Connie Spiewak and her friend buried a statue
of St. Joseph in a field in 1975, asking God "to fill the
valley with His people." Christendom College now stands on
that field. With young families and dozens of children
filling Ruehl Hall on Saturday, it would seem that their
prayer was answered proving once again that if you need
something built, "Go to Joseph."
Abuyers can be
reached abuyers@catholicherald.com