‘Student-saints’ open Altar at St. Joan of Arc

Story and photos by Beth Donze, Clarion Herald

On March 19 — St. Joseph’s Day — students at St. Joan of Arc School in LaPlace re-enacted the Holy Family’s search for lodging in Bethlehem before sitting down for a meal at the foot of the parish’s St. Joseph Altar. Only after knocking on three doors — known as the “Tupa-Tupa” in Sicilian dialect — did the family find a willing innkeeper. By tradition, members of the Holy Family are served before other community members may partake of the altar’s
bounties. Jesus, portrayed above by second grader Hal Montegut, begins the meal by slicing the bread. St. Joseph is always served first. The “Feeding of the Saints” is an annual collaboration between the parish and school.