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Members of the Bogalusa Italian-American Club cordially invite the public to join them for their 46th annual St. Joseph’s Altar, to be held Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21. 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. The cast includes Clint Gallo as Jesus, Joe Gallo as St. Joseph, Ben Kitchen as St. Jude, Colleen Kitchen as Blessed Mother, Elise Kitchen as St. Anne and Amanda Sandifer as St. Lucy.

The altar hours and schedule of events is as follows: On Friday, March 20, the altar will be opened at 6 p.m. and the Holy Rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. Father Daniel Brouilette 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 21, 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 re-enactment of the biblical story 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 the Feeding of the Saints, the public is invited to enjoy the traditional St. Joseph’s Feast Day meal of pasta Milanese, vegetables, bread, wine and Italian cookies.

As he has done for the past 45 years, Angelo Pepe will again narrate and explain the events and traditions of the altar, and give the history of the various ceremonies surrounding the altar. He will also give a brief history of “The Italians in Bogalusa.”

Everyone is invited — please join us.