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Viva San Giuseppe!
Photos by New York Scugnizzo |
By Giovanni di Napoli
What better way to celebrate Labor Day than at the Feast of San Giuseppe, patron saint of workers. Monday, my friends and I made our way to Lodi, New Jersey for the centennial celebration of the Feast of Saint Joseph. Warmly welcomed, we celebrated Mass in English and Italian with Most Reverend Bernard A. Hebda, Coadjutor Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey.
After Mass, San Giuseppe was brought out to the expectant crowd with much fanfare—confetti, fireworks, music, and, of course, thunderous applause greeted our beloved patron. Excited, devotees rushed to pin their donations on to the saint and say a prayer. When the generous offerings finally subsided, the Procession began and made its way through the streets of Lodi.
About two hours later we returned to the church for the benediction and some lite refreshments. Afterward, we enjoyed a few laughs and some traditional Sicilian fare at the fairgrounds. We would like to thank President Antonino Pollaro and all the members of the Saint Joseph Society for their hard work and dedication, you are a blessing to our community. It was an honor and a privilege to celebrate with you.
Evviva San Giuseppe!
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| After Mass, San Giuseppe is placed on the vara with great fanfare |
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| Before we begin the Procession, members pose for a group photo with Most Reverend Bernard A. Hebda, D.D.,J.C.L., J.D. Coadjutor Archbishop of Newark |
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| The Procession leaves the fairgrounds |
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| A couple of angels accompany the Saint |
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| Some lucky stowaways hitch a ride on the vara |
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| The color guard lead the way |
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| The Procession makes its way through the neighborhood |
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| The Metropolitan Festival Band |
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| There was a nice turnout for the Procession |
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| The LaFranca family generously offered refreshments to the participants |
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| Bringing Saint Joseph home |
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| For dinner I enjoyed a fantastic rice ball... |
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| ... and sausage and peppers sandwich |
