September 15, 2016

Evviva Maria! A Look at the 9th Annual Festa della Madonna Addolorata in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn

Evviva Maria!
Photos by New York Scugnizzo
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!
The statue is carried from the sanctuary out to the expectant crowd 
(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
Festivities kicked off with a moving rendition of Ave Maria & the National Anthem
Members gather outside the church
Participants release the balloons 
Black and gold balloons soar to the heavens
An explosion of confetti greets the Madonna outside the Church
Members pose for a picture before the procession
The color guard lead the way
This year's Regina, Vittoria Cirigliano, and her court
(Left) Devotees wear scapulars depicting the Seven Sorrows
(Right) Children dress up like the Blessed Mother
Members sing hymns and pray
(Above & below) Sharply dressed lifters proudly carry the Madonna
(Above & below) It's an honor and a privilege to carry the statue
(Right) Joseph Nardulli was kind enough to give up one of his turns
 so I can carry the Sorrowful Mother
 The procession saunters through the neighborhood
Outdoor shrines were set up along the procession's route
The Metropolitan Festival Band
After a couple of hours, we return to St. Athanasius Church
(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
After Mass, Msgr. Cassato offered a benediction by the outdoor 9/11 memorial
After the benediction, partygoers continued the celebration in the auditorium
Bernadette and Bruno were honored during the award ceremony
Revelers trip the light fantastic