The Italian Cultural Center of
St. John’s University celebrated its 14th Annual “La
Tavola di San Giuseppe” at the Staten Island campus on the Feast of
St. Joseph, Monday, March 19. Over 170 guests, including St.
John’s students, alumni, faculty, administrators, staff and loyal
friends from the local community gathered together to share in the
festivities. The young dancers from “Mrs. Rosemary’s Dance Studio”
wowed the crowd with their lively rendition of the Italian folk
dance “La Tarantella.” Coaxed by the Anthony Dimino of D + D
Entertainment, the guests took to the dance floor in their own
spirited rendition of the Italian folk dance.
For the past fourteen years, this annual event has honored
St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church, in traditional Italian
style – with prayer, good food, lively music, fellowship and
generosity. Joseph Sciame, Vice President for Community
Relations and Chair of the Italian Cultural Center of St. John’s
University welcomed the guests to “…one of the premier events
hosted by the Center at the Staten Island Campus. A proud day
for all to enjoy and appreciate heritage and culture and, most of
all, a teaching moment for our students who attended.”
Msgr. Richard Guastella, pastor of St. Clare Parish, Staten
Island, blessed the “St. Joseph’s Table” and spoke of the history
and traditions of honoring St. Joseph on or around his feast day,
March 19. Brought to the United States by immigrants from
Sicily and other regions of Italy, the tradition of “La Tavola di
San Giuseppe” lives on in the homes of many Italian Americans as
well as on the campuses of the University, for the day before he
Queens campus of St. John’s celebrated a similar event.
The Italian Cultural Center of St. John’s University, with a
sense of pride, seeks to preserve, communicate and celebrate
Italian and Italian-American culture, values, and heritage while
supporting the Vincentian mission of the University. In honor of
St. Joseph and due to the generosity of the dinner guests, St.
John’s ICC has made a donation of non perishable food items as well
as a monetary donation to local needy charities on Staten
Island.
For additional information on activities of the ICC on Staten
Island, contact should be made to Theresa Cantarella at cantaret@stjohns.edu.