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Evviva San Michele! Evviva Maria!
Photos by New York Scugnizzo
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By Giovanni di Napoli
Southern hospitality, Calabrese-style, was in full effect Sunday, as members of the Società Madonna Della Fontana and Spilingese Social Club celebrated their annual Feast of San Michele Arcangelo and the Madonna della Fontana in Newark, New Jersey.
Arriving a little early, my friend and I were greeted at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church (259 Oliver St.) by church historian and caretaker, Eric Lavin. Mr. Lavin was kind enough to show us around the church and sacristy, which is bursting with southern Italian religious relics and artwork. A gem encrusted image of the Madonna di Montevergine from Avelino and a large reliquary with bone fragments of the 800 Martyrs of Otranto were of particular interest.
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| (L-R) The Madonna di Montevergine from Avelino and a large reliquary with bone fragments of the 800 Martyrs of Otranto |
Following the tour, Mr. Lavin walked us over to the nearby Spilingese Social Club and introduced us to members of the society. Warmly welcomed, we were plied with espresso and an array of pastries. Mingling with members, they readily shared some of their favorite memories and history about the Feast before parting for church.
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| Next to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church is a replica of the Santuario di Santa Maria della Fontana in Spilinga, Calabria |
After Mass, the statues of San Michele and the Blessed Mother were carried out of church with much fanfare by the Tony Neglia Band. We were all relieved to see that the thunderstorms in the forecast never materialized and were blessed with a brisk, sunny day.
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| Family and friends come together to celebrate our faith and culture |
Before the procession, celebrants cheered, waved flags, and rushed to pin donations onto their beloved patrons. For nearly two hours we sauntered through the old neighborhood, stopping on occasion so devotees could make an offering. There was a touching moment halfway through the procession, when we made a short detour to visit the society’s senior member 101-year-old Mrs. Campesi. Mrs. Campesi and her family were clearly moved by the love and affection evinced by the community, who filed into her doorway one at a time to greet and wish her well.
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| So many blessings at the Feasts |
We returned to the church for the Benediction and veneration of the relic of the Blessed Mother. The statues were returned to their chapel next to San Giovanni Battista, co-patron of Spilinga.
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| (Above & below) After Mass, the statues are brought out to the expectant crowd |
From the church we moved to the auditorium for a spectacular luncheon. Partygoers were treated to a delicious repast, replete with southern Italian specialties, including spicy sausage and peppers, pizza, breaded cutlets, and, of course, ‘nduja sliders, the quintessential Calabrian delicacy. Naturally, we were invited to partake in the festivities and we happily obliged.
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| Passing on the traditions to the next generation |
Many thanks to Maria Giorgia Pannucci, President of the Società Madonna Della Fontana, and Pasquale “Pat” Pontoriero, President of the Spilingese Social Club, for their warmth and hospitality. Everyone went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. Special thanks to Eric Lavin for extending the invitation. Your hard work and dedication to our community serves as an inspiration to us all. It was an honor and a privilege to be a part of your special day and I look forward to celebrating with you again.
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(Left) The Color Guard are raring to go
(Right) Celebrants Father Nicholas Figurelli and Joseph T. Lucia |
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| (Above & below) The procession makes its way through the neighborhood |
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| A good time was had by all |
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| The standard bearers take a short break outside Mrs. Campesi's home |
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| Centenarian, Mrs. Campesi was deeply touched by the tremendous outpouring of affection shown to her by the community |
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| The procession makes its way back towards the church |
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| The Tony Neglia Band |
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| Members pose for pictures outside the clubhouse |
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| The statues are returned to the church |
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| After the Benediction, devotees venerate a relic of the Blessed Mother |
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| At the after-party, we enjoyed a meal fit for a king |
