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Evviva Maria!
Photos by New York Scugnizzo
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Thank you President Lucrezia Nardulli and all members of Associazione Culturale Pugliese Figli Maria SS. Addolorata for making Sunday's (Sept. 11th) Festa della Madonna Addolorata at St. Athanasius Church in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn a huge success. As always, it was a great pleasure and honor to celebrate our faith and culture with you. Evviva Maria!
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| The statue is carried from the sanctuary out to the expectant crowd |
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| (Right) Excitement in the air as the Madonna approaches. (Left) This year's Grand Marshals, Bruno & Bernadette Codispoti, with 2015 Grand Marshals, Stephen & Lucia La Rocca |
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| Festivities kicked off with a moving rendition of Ave Maria & the National Anthem |
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| Members gather outside the church |
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| Participants release the balloons |
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| Black and gold balloons soar to the heavens |
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| An explosion of confetti greets the Madonna outside the Church |
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| Members pose for a picture before the procession |
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| The color guard lead the way |
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| This year's Regina, Vittoria Cirigliano, and her court |
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(Left) Devotees wear scapulars depicting the Seven Sorrows
(Right) Children dress up like the Blessed Mother |
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| Members sing hymns and pray |
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| (Above & below) Sharply dressed lifters proudly carry the Madonna |
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| (Above & below) It's an honor and a privilege to carry the statue |
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(Right) Joseph Nardulli was kind enough to give up one of his turns
so I can carry the Sorrowful Mother |
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| The procession saunters through the neighborhood |
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| Outdoor shrines were set up along the procession's route |
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| The Metropolitan Festival Band |
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| After a couple of hours, we return to St. Athanasius Church |
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(Left) JoAnn Marinelli, Lucrezia Nardulli and Josephine DiDonna.
(Right) Decked out in their destinctive blue mantles, the Knights of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George partook in the entrance procession |
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| After Mass, Msgr. Cassato offered a benediction by the outdoor 9/11 memorial |
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| After the benediction, partygoers continued the celebration in the auditorium |
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| Bernadette and Bruno were honored during the award ceremony |
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| Revelers trip the light fantastic |
