Interest in and devotion to St. Joseph the Carpenter—the Virgin Mary’s husband and Jesus’s foster-father—has been present among Christians since the earliest centuries of the Common Era. Three academic institutions—Xavier University of Louisiana, Cabrini University, and the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute of Queens College (City University of New York)—have collaborated to organize the symposium “Devotion, Artistry, and the Cult of St. Joseph.”

This unique event examines the patron saint of workers, sickness, and even a happy death from a variety of disciplinary perspectives. Special emphasis will be given to how devotees of St. Joseph—in particular Italian Americans and African Americans—have artistically expressed their intimate connection to this wonder worker. Participants include scholars and New Orleans community members who will discuss the rich devotion and creativity for this holy figure.

Free and open to the public. Click here to read the entire program (program subject to change).

Cosponsored by the Institute for Black Catholic Studies and the Division of the Fine Arts and Humanities at Xavier University.

For information contact Nicole Blunt (504) 520-7664, nblunt@xulma.edu/.

NOTA BENE: THIS EVENT WILL NOT TAKE PLACE AT THE CALANDRA INSTITUTE.

Symposium location:

Xavier University of Louisiana
Administration Building Auditorium
1 Drexel Drive
New Orleans