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Viva San Vincenzo Martire!
Photos by New York Scugnizzo
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About 60 members and friends of the Craco Society made the trek to Little Italy Sunday, October 23rd for the 115th Annual Feast of San Vincenzo Martire di Craco at Most Precious Blood Church in New York City. This year, the society unveiled a new memorial plaque on the side of the wooden case bearing the reclining statue and first-class relic of the saint. Mass was celebrated by Rev. Msgr. Nicholas Grieco and Rev. Fr. Nicholas Mormando, both of Cracotan descent. As always, Cantor Susan Mello was superb.
Afterward, celebrants adjourned to nearby Forlini’s Restaurant for a delightful luncheon with plenty of food, drink and lighthearted merriment. For me, the highlight of the meal was, of course, Salvatore Francavilla’s spectacular homemade limoncello.
I want to thank Fred Spero, Stephen La Rocca and all the members of the Craco Society who worked so hard to make this year’s celebration a huge success. Touched by your seemingly inexhaustible warmth and generosity, it truly is an honor and a privilege to be a part of this glorious tradition. Viva San Vincenzo!
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| The new memorial plaque |
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| (Left) The antique banner has been mended and will be stored in an acid-free preservation box for posterity. (Right) Offerings are pinned on to the statue |
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| Devotees pin donations on to the 1930s era statue of San Vincenzo |
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After Mass, our friends Fred Spero and Fr. Nicholas Mormando
present the relic of San Vincenzo Martire for veneration |
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| Another look at the 1901 statue of San Vincenzo |
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| Partygoers pack into Forlini's Restaurant for the celebratory meal |
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| Msgr. Grieco says grace before lunch |
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| (Left) During the festivities, Robert Rubertone delivers his welcome address. (Right) Our pal Salvatore Francavilla with a handful of diavolicchio |
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For those of us who like our food spicy,
Stephen La Rocca shared some of his homegrown hot peppers |
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| Three stalks of wheat, the symbol of Craco, were given to attendees |
