Cabrini High School’s annual St. Joseph Altar opened on March 18, 2026, welcoming students with the traditional “Tupa-Tupa” ceremony, a reenactment of the Holy Family seeking shelter before the birth of Jesus. Created in partnership with the Elenian Club, the oldest Italian women’s club organization in the United States, the altar reflected months of care, shared devotion among students, alumnae, and volunteers, and a strong commitment to tradition.
The opening day also included a lecture by Joann Testa, past Elenian Club president, on the Sicilian heritage of New Orleans and its enduring connection to Cabrini High School, offering students a deeper understanding of the cultural roots that continue to shape the school’s identity.
Guests of the altar experienced a beautifully arranged display of traditional foods and symbolic elements, including intricately shaped breads, fresh flowers, candles, and images of St. Joseph and Mother Cabrini. Tables were filled with handmade baked goods, especially Italian cookies prepared by religion classes under the guidance of the Elenian Club and Cabrini alumnae. The altar invited quiet prayer and reflection while showcasing the richness of a tradition passed down through generations. A highlight each year is the guided tours of Mother Cabrini’s bedroom, the Cabrini Museum, and the shrine.
The Cabrini community now looks ahead with anticipation to next year’s altar, carrying forward a tradition rooted in deep faith, devoted Catholic practice, and the rich Italian heritage that continues to shape Cabrini High School.