A Look at the 126th Annual Feast of San Rocco in NYC
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Viva San Rocco!
Photos by New York Scugnizzo
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By Giovanni di Napoli
There was a tremendous turnout and terrific atmosphere for Sunday's (August 16th) Feast of San Rocco. I'm happy to say our concerns about the new venue were unwarranted, as celebrants (old and new) showed up in force to welcome our beloved patron to his new home at Most Precious Blood Church in historic Little Italy.
Bedecked with flowers, the packed church resounded with the beautiful voice of cantor Susan Mello and the songs and prayers of the worshippers. We were honored to celebrate Mass with Most Reverend Bishop John O'Hara and Monsignor Donald Sakano, who provided crucial support to the San Rocco Society during this difficult period. Both were instrumental in the society's amenable move from the now closed Saint Joseph's Church.
In addition to the commitment from the diocese, the near seamless transition to the new location can be attributed to the Herculean will of President Stephen LaRocca and members of the San Rocco Society, who worked tirelessly to make this event a huge success. Special thanks are in order to Bill Russo, John Amerise and the rest of the parish staff for their hard work and boundless hospitality. It was a huge privilege to be able to celebrate our faith and culture together, and be a part of this glorious 126-year tradition. Viva San Rocco!
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The society's first Mass at Most Precious Blood Church in historic Little Italy
was celebrated with Most Reverend Bishop John O'Hara |
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| After Mass, San Rocco is presented to the eager crowd |
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| Jubilation ensued when San Rocco descended the stairs: The band played solemnly as the church bells tolled, confetti sticks exploded and people cheered for our beloved patron (photo courtesy of Bill Russo) |
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| Devotees pin donations on to the saint |
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| Revelers dance in the streets |
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| Our pals Deacon Bill di Schiavo (from the Saints Cosmas and Damian Society of Utica, NY), Marcantonio Pezzano (from the Saint Anthony of Padua Benevolent Society of Elmont, LI) and St. Rocco's own Andrew Giordano show their support |
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| Our friend Kathryn Archipolo holds a wax ex-voto of a leg. Anatomical votive offerings (vote di cera) like this are made in gratitude for a Saint's intercession and healing of ailing body parts |
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| The procession makes its way down Bayard Street |
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| The color guard stand proud |
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| (Above and below) Our friends from the Associazione Culturale Pugliese Figli Maria SS. Addolorata always show San Rocco tremendous support |
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We briefly returned to Saint Joseph's Church (5 Monroe Street)
to pay our respects and remember our history |
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| A handful of devotees remain in Knickerbocker Village |
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| Generations of the faithful carry the cinte (candle house) |
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| The procession saunters through Little Italy |
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| Andrew made a couple of new friends along the way |
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| In my humble opinion, the Giglio Band were never better |
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| (Above and below) There are still devotees in Little Italy as well |
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| Photo courtesy of Andrew Giordano |
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Marcantonio Pezzano and Stefano Monforte performed
all our favorite Neapolitan songs and Italian American standards |
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| (Above and below) Back at the church undercroft, revelers trip the light fantastic |
