 |
| Reliquary containing a first-class relic of Sant'Antonio di Padova Photos by New York Scugnizzo |
After work Thursday night I stopped by Most Precious Blood Church (113 Baxter St.) in NYC's historic Little Italy to venerate Saint Anthony’s relic, on loan from Padua, Italy. Visiting five different churches in celebration of the Feast of St. Anthony (June 13th), this was the fourth tour of the saint's relic in the archdiocese in two years. I was lucky enough to see the relics before at Most Precious Blood Church in Bath Beach, Brooklyn in 2013 and at the Basilica of Sant'Antonio in Padua in 2007. It continues to be a spiritually rewarding and edifying experience.
 |
| Sant'Antonio at Most Precious Blood Church |
Saint Anthony’s feast day was recently celebrated at the church by the Society of St. Anthony of Giovinazzo. Their statue of the saint was still on display on the bye-altar with flowers and ribbons.
 |
| Life size statue of San Gennaro at Le Mela Ristorante |
Afterward, I met up with some friends at Le Mela Ristorante (167 Mulberry St.) for a glass of wine and to see the newly restored statue of San Gennaro.
 |
| Ernie Rossi (with window sign) proudly promotes southern Italian products |
Enjoying the mild night air, we strolled around Little Italy for a bit before stopping by E. Rossi and Company (193 Grand Street) to see our good friend Ernie. We were happy to see he received a certificate of appreciation from the Comitati Due Sicilie USA for his hard work and longtime support of the southern Italian community in New York City. Congratulations Ernie on your well-deserved honor!
 |
| The Re Ferdinando sandwich at Margherita NYC |
Getting hungry, we took our leave and moved on to nearby Margherita NYC, Pizzeria Napoletana (197 Grand St.) for a couple of cocktails and dinner. I enjoyed the delicious Re Ferdinando, a large sandwich stuffed with sweet sausage, broccoli di rape and scamorza, named in honor of HRH King Ferdinand of the Two Sicilies.
Walking off our meal, we took a short passeggiata around Little Italy. Taking in the sites, we talked for a while about art, politics and life in general before calling it a night.
