Members of the Bogalusa Italian-American Club cordially invite the public to join them for their 45th annual St. Joseph’s Altar to be held Friday, March 15, and Saturday, March 16. The Altar will be held at the B & C Hall, located at 139 Cumberland St. in Bogalusa.

Club President Verna Haik and Altar Chairman Betty Puissegur have announced those chosen to represent Saints this year. They will include Daniel Gibson as Jesus, Clyde Castleberry as St. Joseph, Michael Gibson as St. Jude, Pamela Cox       as Blessed Mother, Martha Castleberry     as St. Anne, and Debbie Warner as St. Lucy.

Altar hours and schedule of events are as follows: On Friday, March 15, the Altar will be opened at 6 p.m., and the Holy Rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. Father Daniel Brouillette will bless the Altar at 7 p.m. Following the blessing, those representing Saints will be introduced. Italian cookies and wine will then be served to the public.

On Saturday, March 16, doors will open at 10 a.m. and the Holy Rosary will be recited. At 10:30 a.m., following the introduction of the Saints, the traditional ceremony known as “Tupa Tupa” will take place.

“Tupa Tupa” is a brief enactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for a place for Jesus to be born. After this brief ceremony, the “Feeding of the Saints Ceremony” will begin. During the “Feeding of the Saints,” Justin Schuver will provide guitar music and several vocal selections. After completion of Feeding of Saints, the public is invited to join in the traditional St. Joseph’s Feast Day meal of Pasta Milanese, vegetables, bread, wine, and Italian cookies.

As he has done for the past 44 years, Angelo Pepe will again narrate and explain the events and traditions of the Altar and give the history of the various ceremonies of the Altar. He will also give a brief history of “The Italians in Bogalusa.”

Everyone is invited to attend this special annual tradition.