By Sister Timothy Marie, O.C.D.
May I share a true story with you about St. Joseph? My story begins in the family home of our foundress, Mother Luisita. To begin with, it’s probably best to give Mother Luisita’s full religious name – Mother Maria Luisa Josefa of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Before she became a religious sister, everyone called her Luisita and then when she was a religious sister, it was easy to transition into calling her “Mother Luisita.”
It all begins with Mother Luisita’s father, Don Epigmenio de la Peña, who owned several ranches in the Los Altos region of Jalisco, Mexico surrounding the town of Atotonilco el Alto. He was known for his great devotion to St. Joseph. Every year without fail on St. Joseph’s feast day, March 19th, Mother Luisita’s father gave a huge party in honor of St. Joseph. His family, all those who worked on his various ranches, and townspeople gathered for a day off work – a day of relaxation and fun with good food, good companionship, and of course, always beginning with celebration of the Holy Mass.
As Mr. de la Peña lay dying with his family gathered around him, he asked that the feast of the carpenter of Nazareth be continued and celebrated as if it were the feast day of the father of their homes. In his final moments he had said, “I leave you Saint Joseph as your intercessor and patron. You will not remain orphans.” This tradition continues even today. Great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces across the generations – today’s descendants of Don Epigmenio de la Peña take turns hosting this annual grand fiesta in honor of St. Joseph.
Everyone assumes some responsibility for carrying out the celebration. Children participate by gathering their savings of the previous year for this occasion. As St. Joseph’s feast day approaches, they open their filled piggy banks, purchased long beforehand. The adults all join to contribute to one of the original ministries of Mother Luisita.
A fiesta always follows the feast day Mass. Entertainment is provided by musicians. Mexican waltzes and songs become a bridge of memories between those who celebrate today and those who died years before. Everyone shares memories and stories of the beginnings of this family celebration back in the 1800s. Even during the difficult period of religious persecution, the celebration was held, and today the family continues to weave its history through this tradition and remembrances.
Isn’t this a beautiful tradition and a wonderful legacy for families? Do you like it? Does your family do anything like this?
St. Joseph, Patron of Carmel, pray for us!
St. Joseph, Protector of the Family, pray for us!
