 |
Viva Santa Fortunata!
A close up of the glass casket bearing the Saint
|
By Giovanni di Napoli
This weekend I had the good fortune of attending NYC's 2012 Mass and Procession in honor of Santa Fortunata, Patroness of Baucina, Sicily. Normally held in July, this year's two-day celebration, organized by the Societa Santa Fortunata di New York (founded in 1900), was moved to the last weekend of September. This brings the celebration closer to the actual Feast Day in Baucina, which is held on the second Sunday of the month. Because many members maintain strong familial ties with the old country and return home to participate in their hometown festivities, the society doesn't celebrate the holiday at the same time as in Sicily.
 |
(L-R) Societa Santa Fortunata di New York Vice President Pino Nicotra, President Ciro Quattrocchi and Councilor Giuseppe Greco
|
On Saturday, before the procession, I was warmly welcomed by members of the society and offered a tour of the club by their President Ciro Quattrocchi. The first thing I noticed upon entering was the beautiful chapel dedicated to their patroness. Behind glass, beneath a photo of the Sacred Body are two cherished relics, a piece of the Saint's veil and Her ring. I was amazed and privileged to see such important artifacts here in America. Statues of Saint Lucy and Saint Barbara stand sentinel beneath the treasures.
 |
The society chapel with relics
|
My biggest thrill was seeing the society's original statue. Well over a hundred-year's-old, the Saint was safely stored inside her glass casket surrounded by memorabilia and old photos documenting the society's long history. I could have spent hours there studying the objects and listening to Mr. Quattrocchi's stories.
 |
A look at the original society statue
|
It was an honor to be among them, listening to family and friends sitting beneath a giant photo of Baucina catching up with one another. They generously gave me prayer and relic cards; literature recalling the story of Santa Fortunata; and a beautiful glossy photo of the Saint from Sicily. I'm definitely going to get it framed and add it to my personal shrine.
I was lucky enough to witness the unwrapping of a gift that just arrived from Sicily commemorating their 222nd Anniversary of the Feast. It was a mounted certificate honoring the society and is a sign of solidarity and kinship from their counterparts in Baucina.
 |
A declaration of solidarity and kinship from Sicily
|
Ready to begin the procession, the sky was menacing and some were worried it would rain. Thankfully, the weather cooperated and our fear of showers was unwarranted. Rays of sunshine kept peeking out from behind the clouds, making the event cool and pleasant.
The cortège made its way through the streets of Bensonhurst, Brooklyn reenacting the life and martyrdom of the Saint. Celebrated with great pageantry, costumed characters depict the various episodes of her story, stopping regularly to create a tableau, or living picture.
 |
The procession makes its way down 18th Avenue
|
The carriers were close behind. Wearing white with red sashes, they pulled and periodically lifted the Vara, a large, heavy wagon used to carry Santa Fortunata and her elaborate glass casket through the streets. Devotees (some shoeless) followed praying, reciting the Rosary and singing songs. It was encouraging to see them uphold the old ways. [For more photos see Part I]
 |
Angels and Santa Fortunata in Glory
|
The spectator turnout from the neighborhood was smaller than I had hoped for. The change in demographics combined with the poor weather forecast probably had a lot to do with it. There was a time not so long ago when thousands turned out to celebrate and partake in the festivities, but fewer now make the effort to support this wonderful tradition. I'm old enough to remember when they actually held Feasts in her honor and, if I'm not mistaken, they were even able to raffle off a car, giving the nearby 18th Ave Feast (Santa Rosalia) a run for its money in fervor and devotion.
 |
The Carriers running with the Saint
|
In a way, this makes the procession all the more special. The fact that the society keeps the tradition going is a testament to their hard work and commitment. Large crowds and festivals are nice, but devotion is its own purpose, and for an event like this should come first. It is important that those of us who value and cherish these traditions make an effort to support these societies and show our appreciation.
 |
Revelers Sal and Lina Locascio and Lucia Di Marco enjoying the festivities
|
Any concern that I had about the neighborhood attendance on Saturday was completely dissipated on Sunday. The procession was larger and St. Rosalia — Regina Pacis Church (1230 65th St. Brooklyn, NY 11219) was filled nearly to capacity, most importantly with many young children.
Surrounded by these beautiful families, I felt as if I was transported back to my old neighborhood when I was young. I could not have been happier.
 |
After the procession a shrine was set up outside the society building for passerby's to show their devotion
|
Mass was held in Italian and concluded with a glorious hymn written by Maestro Francesco Mauro Casella in honor to Santa Fortunata:
Sposa eletta del Signore
Vieni su dagli alti cieli
Il divino eterno amore
Là ti attende senza veli
Te felice, Te beata
Donzelletta Fortunata.
La corona di Regina
E la palma gloriosa
Ora adorna l'eroina
Di Gesù la diva Sposa
Di Baucina l'Avvocata
Viva, viva Fortunata
I want to thank the Societa Santa Fortunata di New York for their wonderful hospitality. Their sense of community and spiritual fortitude is an inspiration. Viva Santa Fortunata!
 |
A look inside beautiful St. Rosalia — Regina Pacis Church
(Photos by New York Scugnizzo)
|
