Tag: Feast of Saint Joseph

PHOTOS FROM PAST SAINT JOSEPH DAY FEASTS AND PREPARATIONS

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

So very much missing Saint Joseph Day friends. I think it’s especially difficult for senior friends who look forward each year to ten days with loved ones. I sure missed seeing my “granny” that I’ve come to love while celebrating and honoring St. Joesph at the Groppo home.

Here’s a happy St. Joe story for you – When my husband and I were looking for a home to purchase in Gloucester we were in a terrible bind. We had to be out of a rental home suddenly and unexpectedly. I found what seemed like our dream home but then learned It had sold only days earlier. We heard the woman had perhaps purchased the house without the intention to live in it. We approached her and she said yes she would consider selling it to us, but then over the course of the next month, she raised the price three times. The house was wreck, a true fixer-upper, but still it had great bones and I was in love with it.

My friend Claudia gave me a Saint Joseph necklace with the instructions to pray to Saint Joseph and to bury the necklace in the ground of our dream house. Patron Saint of homes and carpenters and all workers, she said it would bring us luck.

All that time ago, and this beautiful old house has provided us with 24 years of joyous memories, and a place to call home. Happy Saint Joseph Day friends ❤

The photos are in random order and also include a few snapshots from Ann Margaret Ferrante and Maria Cannova’s beautiful Saint Joseph altars. Click on the first photo to view slide show.

 

ST. JOSEPH PASTA MAKING WITH THE GROPPOS!

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

If you weren’t able to make pasta today at Nina and Frank Groppos, a second special St. Joseph pasta-making day is taking place this Saturday at 10:00am. This additional day is especially for kids and everyone is invited to join the fun!

Charlotte was so super shy at first, but Kathy Pratl took her under her wing and showed her how. As soon as she understood everyone was making her favorite, noo-noos, Charlotte joined right in. Thank you Nina, Franco, Kathy, Roseanne and Friends for a great morning! ❤

MAKING SAINT JOSEPH ALTAR BREAD WITH CAFE SICILIA’S MARIA CRACCHIOLO

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Artists-in-the-Kitchen Maria Cracchiolo, and her parents Domenic and Nina Damico, demonstrate how to create beautiful bread in shapes symbolic of Saint Joseph and inspired by nature. Watch as Maria, Nina, and Domenic artfully shape angels, a carpenter’s saw, San Giuseppe scroll, Saint Joseph sun, snails, flowers, butterflies, grapes, and more.

Saint Joseph altar bread is available by special order at Caffe Sicilia. Call to place your order at (978) 283-2345.

Fish-shaped St. Joseph altar bread

COME ONE COME ALL TO THE GROPPO FAMILY FEAST OF SAINT JOSEPH

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

With a troupe of friends lending a hand, preparations for tomorrow’s Feast of San Giuseppe were full underway today at the Groppo home. All are invited to the table at the welcoming home of Nina and Frank Groppo.

Caffe Siclia’s Maria Cracchiolo creates Saint Joseph altar bread in exquisite nature-inspired shapes and iconic Christian symbols.

Noami helping Jane with the flowers.

These three friends call themselves the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Your guess is as good as mine re who is who.

Celebrating tomorrow with sweet friends ❤  

Viva San Giuseppe!

 

The Altar for St. Joseph Feast

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

Felicia is an amazing woman. What an extraordinary group of women and men taking care of every detail for this beautiful fest. The altar says all.
The blessing of the Altar and food.

Felicia and Barry making the Zeppola

The one of the bowls for the wonderful bread.
he

Felicia and Madam Mayor

VIVA SAN GIUSEPPE FROM THE GROPPO FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

With love and gratitude to the Groppo family and friends. My most heartfelt thanks to all and especially to Nina and Frank.

Saint joseph 2016 - 58Saint joseph 2016 - 38Saint joseph 2016 - 60Saint joseph 2016 - 35Saint joseph 2016 - 46Saint joseph 2016 - 59Saint joseph 2016 - 30Saint joseph 2016 - 06Saint joseph 2016 - 25Saint joseph 2016 - 17SEE LOTS MORE PHOTOS HERE Continue reading “VIVA SAN GIUSEPPE FROM THE GROPPO FAMILY AND FRIENDS!” →

HAPPY SAINT JOSEPH’S DAY FROM THE WELCOMING HOME OF ANN MARGARET AND FRANCES FERRANTE

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Ann Margaret Ferrante Feast of Saint Joseph 2016 Kim Smith

Ann Margaret Ferrante Feast of Saint Joseph -7 2016 Kim SmithAnn Margaret Ferrante Feast of Saint Joseph 2016 -6 Kim SmithAnn Margaret Ferrante Feast of Saint Joseph -8 2016 Kim SmithAnn Margaret Ferrante Feast of Saint Joseph -11 2016 Kim SmithAnn Margaret Ferrante Feast of Saint Joseph #12 2016 Kim SmithAnn Margaret Ferrante Feast of Saint Joseph -4 2016 Kim SmithSEE MORE PHOTOS HERE Continue reading “HAPPY SAINT JOSEPH’S DAY FROM THE WELCOMING HOME OF ANN MARGARET AND FRANCES FERRANTE” →

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! AND HAPPY SAINT JOSEPH’S DAY!

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Beginning in the early 1900s, the American Father’s Day was brought to Italy, a sort of reverse sharing of holidays! Fittingly, in Italy, Father’s Day is celebrated on Saint Joseph’s Day.

Maria Cannova Gloucester Feast of Saint Joseph blessing children -5 Kim Smith 2016Three generations of Cannovas, Maria’s son Leo, Giliano Mari, and Grandfather

Saint Joseph Gloucester gropp feast Kim Smith 2016

Caffe Sicilia Maria Domenic zeppole Saint Joseph. 2016 Kim SmithFather and Daughter Domenic and Maria making zeppole at Caffe Sicilia

Groppo Feast of saint Joseph Gloucester Kim Smith 2016Kensie and Grandfather Tony

BLESSING THE CHILDREN AT MARIA CANNOVA’S SAINT JOSEPH ALTAR

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Blessing the children yesterday at Maria Cannova’s home.

Maria Cannova Gloucester Feast of Saint Joseph blessing children -2 Kim Smith 2016

Maria Cannova Gloucester Feast of Saint Joseph blessing children -4 Kim Smith 2016Maria and beautiful Giliana Mari

Maria Cannova Gloucester Feast of Saint Joseph blessing children Kim Smith 2016 -8Maria Cannova Gloucester Feast of Saint Joseph blessing children -7 Kim Smith 2016Maria Cannova Gloucester Feast of Saint Joseph blessing children -3 Kim Smith 2016Rosalia and Pierina with MariaMaria Cannova Gloucester Feast of Saint Joseph blessing children -6 Kim Smith 2016

Maria Cannova Gloucester Feast of Saint Joseph blessing children Kim Smith 2016Maria’s son Leo and Giliana

A SEA OF ZEPPOLES (AND SFINCI, TOO)!

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Caffe Sicilia’s sea of zeppoles, and sfinci, too!

Caffe Sicilia Maria Domenic sfinci Saint Joseph. 2016 Kim SmithSfinci

Caffe Sicilia Maria Domenic zeppole -2 Saint Joseph. 2016 Kim Smith .JPGZeppole in progress 

So many thanks to Maria, Nina, and Domenic for their continued help with Gloucester’s Feast of Saint Joseph Community Film Project. 

Caffe Sicilia Maria Domenic zeppole Saint Joseph. 2016 Kim Smith

https://www.instagram.com/p/BDGoMs5Dyle/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BDGjl8HDyrq/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BDGkUOmDytI/

 

 

NOVENA BALLERINA

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Madison’s grandmother Geri informs that this was Madison’s idea on how to dress for the Novena! I think it perfect, her colors coordinate beautifully with Nina and Jane’s vibrant pink and orange altar roses.

Madison Groppo Novena Gloucester Feast of Saint Joseph -1 Kim Smith

Madison Groppo Novena Gloucester Feast of Saint Joseph -2 Kim SmithMadison Groppo Novena Gloucester Feast of Saint Joseph -3 Kim SmithWaltz of the Flowers

One More Photo Here Continue reading “NOVENA BALLERINA” →

MARIA CRACCHIOLO DEMONSTRATES HOW TO CREATE SAINT JOSEPH ALTAR BREAD

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Artists-in-the-Kitchen Maria Cracchiolo, and her parents Domenic and Nina Damico, demonstrate how to create beautiful bread in shapes symbolic of Saint Joseph and inspired by nature. Watch as Maria, Nina, and Domenic artfully shape angels, a carpenter’s saw, San Giuseppe scroll, Saint Joseph sun, snails, flowers, butterflies, grapes, and more.
As you will hear Maria’s story unfold (while deftly shaping the dough), her family’s tradition of making the Saint Joseph altar bread began several years ago, for a very heartfelt reason. In 2010, her young daughter was facing a very serious operation. Maria had never made the special Saint Joseph altar bread, but decided that year to make it her devotion to Saint Joseph. Maria taught herself how to shape the bread, finding inspiration in old photos of altars, and also from images, which she found online, of bread made in Sicily. Maria lived in Italy for five years, attending art school and studying fashion design. When I write “Artists-in-the Kitchen” you’ll see why after viewing the video.

Both of Maria’s parents, Nina and Domenic, were born in Sicily and grew up celebrating the Feast of San Giuseppe in the Sicilian tradition of feeding the poor and orphaned, and welcoming all who came to their table. Thank you Maria, Domenic, and Nina for graciously welcoming me into your Caffe Sicilia’s kitchen!

Saint Joseph Bread is available by special order at Caffe Sicilia. Call to place your order at (978) 283-2345.

Many thanks to Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken for the suggestion to contact Maria and her family to interview for Gloucester’ Feast of Saint Joseph Community Film Project.

JOE VIRGILIO MAKING SAINT JOSEPH ROLLS

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Joe Virgilio Makes Saint Joseph Rolls is a wonderful addition to Gloucester’s Feast of Saint Joseph Community Film Project. So many thanks to Joe for taking time from his busy work day to allow filming! Highlights include Joe sharing stories about the early days working alongside his grandfather and cousins, when the thousands of rolls needed for Saint Joseph’s Day were made by hand.

To order your Saint Joseph rolls call 978-283-5295 or stop by. Store hours are from 8:30am to 5:00pm.

Originally posted 2014.

copy-st-joe-header-final-saturated

To learn more about Gloucester’s Feast of Saint Joseph Community Film and the real story about how the project evolved, please go to the film’s website and click on the About the Film link and the Director’s Statement link. For periodic updates about the film, you can keep in touch on the blog page of the film’s website or friend me on Facebook.

The hands that teach

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Feast of Saint Joseph Gloucester Groppo -10 Kim Smith Designs 2016The gentle hands that teach

If you would like to learn more about Gloucester’s Feast of Saint Joseph Community Film and the real story about how the project evolved, please go to the film’s website and click on the About the Film link and the Director’s Statement link. For periodic updates about the film, you can keep in touch on the blog page of the film’s website or friend me on Facebook.

 

SAINT JOSEPH PASTA MAKING WITH THE GROPPO FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

The Best Day!

Feast of Saint Joseph Gloucester Groppo Kim Smith Designs 2016Nina and daughter Enza

From beginning to end, the pasta-making team is well cared for. When you arrive, Nina and friends have fresh bread baking in the oven and large vats of homemade ricotta steaming on the stove top. The friendships, the fun and conversation, and especially enjoyable is observing how greatly the children love to participate. From the oldest grannies to the teens, tweens, toddlers, and everyone in-between, making pasta with friends and family makes for a simply wonderful day!

Feast of Saint Joseph Gloucester Groppo Kim Smith Designs -6 2016Feast of Saint Joseph Gloucester Groppo Kim Smith Designs -5 2016DSCF8091Feast of Saint Joseph Gloucester Groppo 17 Kim Smith Designs 2016Tower of Pasta Power!

Feast of Saint Joseph Gloucester Groppo -28 Kim Smith Designs 2016Feast of Saint Joseph Gloucester Groppo -19 Kim Smith Designs 2016Feast of Saint Joseph Gloucester Groppo -20Kim Smith Designs 2016Resident Photo Bomber Leo

If you would like to learn more about Gloucester’s Feast of Saint Joseph Community Film and the accurate account of how the project evolved, please go to the film’s website and click on the About the Film link and the Director’s Statement link. For periodic updates about the film, you can keep in touch on the blog page of the film’s website or friend me on Facebook.

SEE LOTS MORE PHOTOS HERE

Continue reading “SAINT JOSEPH PASTA MAKING WITH THE GROPPO FAMILY AND FRIENDS” →

UPDATE: GLOUCESTER’S FEAST OF SAINT JOSEPH COMMUNITY FILM PROJECT

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

 copy-st-joe-header-final-saturatedGloucester’s Feast of Saint Joseph Community Film Project

Filming continues, with great joy, appreciation, and thanks to all the families for their continued help. Dislocating my elbow this past winter set me back a bit in the editing department, however, every cloud has a silver lining. We have filmed additional scenes and are adding more daily. I recently invested in a second hard drive for the film and now all the footage from the past several years is thankfully backed up and in one safe place.

First and foremost, my deepest gratitude and most heartfelt thanks goes to the Groppo Family and Friends, who for the past several years have included me and my camera in every aspect of their Feast of Saint Joseph Novena and preparations.

Tremendous thanks goes to Maria Cracchiolo and Joe Virgilio for allowing filming of their Saint Joseph bread and pastry making. Thank you to Mayor Romeo Theken for her suggestion to get in touch with both Joe and Maria.

Again, I would like to thank all the families who granted interviews and took the time to share their beautiful stories and traditions. Special thanks to Felicia Ciaramitaro and Mayor Theken for their introductions and help organizing the interviews during the project’s earliest beginnings.

I think an additional thanks is owed Sefatia for her wisdom in organizing the trolley tour of Gloucester’s Family altars, which allowed for a window into this world of deep devotion and community spirit.

If you would like to learn more about the film and how the project evolved, please go to the film’s website and click on the About the Film link and the Director’s Statement link. For periodic updates about the film, you can keep in touch on the blog page of the film’s website or friend me on Facebook.