About Us

The St. Joseph Society in Boston's North End originated in 1925 by Sicilian immigrants and descendants from the Riesi area of Caltanessetta, Sicily. The adoption of St. Joseph as Patron of Riesi was in the rich tradition of devotion to a specific saint, characteristic of regions in Italy. The descendants of the society's founders still maintain this tradition which is very different from the North End of 1925.

In the midst of change, dramatic in nature, the St. Joseph Society, as do other religious societies in the North End, knows instinctively and inherently the importance of traditions and customs. With a sense of commitment to the past and continuity for the future, the customs of family and place will endure.

The founders of the Society were grateful for the blessings in their lives and the one means of expressing such gratitude was through the St. Joseph Feast Day gathering of family and friends on March 19th. A bountiful table with bread and food was established and the community was invited to participate. The table blessing and traditional prayers are important components of this nearly forgotten gathering.