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Ave Maria!
Photos by New York Scugnizzo
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By Giovanni di Napoli
Sunday, a sea of black and gold wended its way through the streets of Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn in the 64th Annual Festa di Madonna Addolorata.
In what has to have been the best day of the year, devotees gathered outside Sacred Heart – Saint Stephen's Church (108 Carroll Street) to participate in this time-honored tradition. Tenderly attended to by members of the Congrega Maria SS. Addolorata, the statue was adorned with the congregants' gold jewelry. Finely arrayed, She made Her grand appearance to the expectant crowed. Fireworks and balloons greeted Her and signaled the beginning of the procession. |
Members of the Congrega Maria SS. Addolorata pose for a picture outside the church
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Women recited the rosary and sang hymns in Our Lady's honor, as the menfolk took turns carrying the litter through the neighborhood. Along the route we stopped in front of the 76th Precent to offer our prayers and blessings to New York's Finest.
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(L-R) Fireworks kick off and close the procession
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Many people turned out to watch as the cortège passed by; some were long time residents familiar with the rite, others were newcomers who (by the number of questions being asked and pictures being taken) seemed genuinely fascinated about what was going on.
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The procession makes its way through the neighborhood
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After a few hours, we made our way to Scotto's Funeral Home (106 1st Place) for a brief interlude. Water and wine were generously offered by the owners to help relieve the participants thirst. The same was done a little while later outside Frank's Luncheonette and Pizzeria (365 Smith Street). Along the way, we passed by Carroll Park and the monument to local hero firefighter, Louis Valentino Jr. (1958-1996).
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Women sing, pray and recite the rosary
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Our last stop before returning to the church was outside the Van Westerhout Cittadini Molesi Cultural and Social Club (447 Court Street). Here, we were treated to a celestial performance of "Ave Maria" by gifted Soprano, Therese Panicali. More white balloons were released into the sky.
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Miss Puglia USA & Miss Mola USA, Anna Nicole Deliso has some competition from this adorable little angel
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Back at Sacred Heart – Saint Stephen's, Bishop Nicholas Anthony DiMarzio welcomed our triumphant return. To the delight of the crowd, Therese Panicali performed again at the top of the church steps, ending with a second, larger salvo of fireworks.
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Outside Frank's Pizzeria I had the great pleasure of meeting Sacred Heart – Saint Stephen's new clergyman, Monsignor Guy Massie. We wish him all the best at his new parish
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Not to sound overly dramatic, but I got gooseflesh during the statue's entry into the church. The sound of the organ with the congregation singing Maria Il Tuo Popolo while Our Lady was carried down the center isle was sublime. I don't think I've ever heard a more spectacular rendition of the song before. The nave's acoustics are second to none, it truly was glorious to behold.
Bishop DiMarzio capped off the observance with Mass in Italian.
Bishop DiMarzio capped off the observance with Mass in Italian.
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Diva Therese Panicali thrilled us with her amazing voice
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Shrine to the Madonna Addolorata outside the Society building
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The monument to hero firefighter, Louis Valentino Jr.
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Another look at the procession
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Bishop DiMarzio and the clergy welcome back the congregation
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Pia and Emily Farrell partake in the festivities
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A look inside beautiful Sacred Heart – Saint Stephen's Church
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On my way home from Mass I couldn't help but treat myself to some brioche con gelato at Monteleone's Bakery & Cafe (355 Court Street) |
