The “lucky bean,” the symbol of “abbondanza,” the abundance of sharing in the blessings of faith, hope and love.

The tradition came to New Orleans with the Sicilians in the 1800s and flourished among the prolific celebrations of Louisiana.

During a famine in Sicily, this humble fava bean was the life-saving crop.The New Orleans “Lucky Bean” has found its way into the purses and pockets of many and is kept as a treasured memento of the St. Joseph’s Feast Celebration.

May it fulfill for you its promise of bountiful blessings.

The St. Joseph’s Altar was a way of giving thanks for, and sharing of, the blessings of a bountiful harvest.