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Viva Maria!
Photos by New York Scugnizzo
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Last Sunday (June 28th), I returned to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church in Ridgewood, Queens for the annual Festa della Madonna delle Grazie, Patroness of Montevago, Sicily. Mass was celebrated in Italian with Father Italo Barozzi (visiting from Saint Mel’s Parish in Flushing, Queens), followed by a procession through the neighborhood with the Gigio Band and statue of the Blessed Mother.
Participants could not have asked for a better day, the predicted rain never materialized and the slightly overcast sky kept the temperature comfortable. After about two hours, we returned to the Notre Dame Catholic Academy gymnasium behind the church for some refreshments and few more songs from the band.
I want to thank all the members of the Maria SS. Delle Grazie Di Montevago Society for their warmth and hospitality. Special thanks to Joeseph Cirabisi for extending the invitation. His hard work and dedication to our community serves as a great example for us all. It was an honor and a privilege to be a part of your special day. Evviva Maria!
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Arriving early, I watched members affectionately prepare the statue for Mass
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The statue makes its triumphant entry
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| After Mass, devotees pin donations on to the statue |
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| The color guard are raring to go |
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| Departing Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church |
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| The Giglio Band |
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| Members proudly carry the standard |
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| Passing on our traditions |
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| There was a terrific turnout |
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Halfway through, we took a moment to honor San Francesco di Paola
outside the Società Concordia Partanna clubhouse |
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| A couple of superheroes take a moment to watch the procession |
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| After the procession, the statue is brought into the church gymnasium |
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| Celebrants enjoy some music and refreshments |
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| The statue was set up for veneration near the stage |
