AUBURN -- Palm Sunday is among the most celebrated and honored days within the church. While Sunday did mark Palm Sunday and beginning of Holy Week, it was also held as a day to celebrate the feast of St. Joseph.

This mass, which was held at the Holiday Inn, for the past 25 years has been a mutual effort by the Italian Heritage Society, chaired by Joseph Camardo and the parish of St. Francis of Assisi. This has been a tradition that Camardo's son, John grew up with and saw the dedication his father had for the event.

"I have to give my father so much credit," said Camardo, president of the parish council. "He puts in a great amount of work on this and he has really made it into a great success."

The Rev. Eugene Dobosz, of St. Francis, was on hand to celebrate the mass. Dobosz took time in his sermon to reflect on the meaning of St. Joseph, who has historically filled many rolls.

St. Joseph was the husband of Mary and earthly father of Jesus. In this capacity he took on a great responsibility.

"It was not easy what he did," Dobosz said. "He was chosen by God and he was given special gifts, but it was not easy what he did. Like Mary he had to be ready to say yes to God and accept his mission."

Read the full report in Monday's edition of The Citizen.