On Wednesday, March 19, in celebration of the Feast of Saint Joseph – patron of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, who founded Saint Francis Hospital in 1897 – colleagues were treated to zeppoles. Sister Sally and Sister Susan joined hospital leaders in greeting colleagues and providing the treats, bringing back a beloved tradition for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Colleagues were treated to zeppoles in celebration of the Feast of Saint Joseph on March 19.
Why zeppoles? There are several theories as to why Saint Joseph’s Day is celebrated with these pastry treats. Some say Saint Joseph sold pancakes after fleeing Egypt with Mary and Jesus, linking sweets to his name. Others connect zeppoles to his work as a carpenter – his feast day once involved selling wooden toys, and the word “zeppola” comes from “Zeppa,” meaning a wooden wedge. Over time, March 19 became both the Feast of St. Joseph and Father’s Day in Italy, making zeppoles the perfect treat for the occasion.