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(L) The statues inside Most Precious Blood. (R) A close-up of the standard
Photos by New York Scugnizzo |
Traditionally held at the Shrine Church of the Most Precious Blood in New York City’s Little Italy, which is currently undergoing much-needed renovation, this year’s Feast of Saints Cosma and Damiano, patrons of San Cosmo Albanese in Cosenza, Calabria, was moved to the nearby Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral.
On my way to Sunday’s celebration, I was curious to see if the statues of the Healing Saints were moved to the new venue and stopped by Most Precious Blood. Admittedly a little disappointed to find the brothers still in their corner niche, I took the opportunity to light a few candles and pray for my sick relatives and for the happy repose of the souls of my ancestors.
Afterward, I continued on to Old St. Pat’s and met up with our friends of the Saints Cosma e Damiano Society for their celebratory luncheon in the church’s cozy event space. Warmly welcomed, I was invited to break bread with them and partake in the joyous festivities. Partygoers enjoyed a delicious repast, games and raffles, as well as a guided tour of Old St. Pat’s historic catacombs by electric candlelight.
Motivated by Economos Russo, I took the opportunity to go next door to Saint Michael’s Russian Catholic Church, which serves the Byzantine Rite community. Luckily, I caught the end of the Divine Liturgy and was able to take a few pictures inside the tiny chapel. Coincidentally, I’ve only celebrated the Byzantine Rite Divine Liturgy once before and that was at the 112th Annual Feast of Saints Cosma and Damiano at Most Precious Blood back in 2015. The parishioners kindly invited me to join them for coffee and cake, but I needed to get back to the party and celebrate Mass inside the beautiful Basilica.
I want to thank George, Damiano, Frank, Rosemary and all the members of the Saints Cosma e Damiano Society for their hard work and warm hospitality. It was an honor and a privilege to celebrate our faith and culture together and look forward to doing it again next year. Evviva i Santi Medici!
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| Revelers gather for a group photo |
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| The Board of Directors with the society standard |
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| Children took turns drawing the winning raffle tickets |
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| Guests enjoying the festivities |
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| We were treated to a delicious repast |
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| There were plenty of raffle prizes to be won |
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| Icons inside St. Michael's Chapel (Click here to see more pics) |
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| We enter the catacombs |
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(L) The Delmonico family's hermetically sealed vault.
(R) Crucifix between Msgr. Arthur Tommaso and Msgr. Nicola Marinacci |
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| Msgr. Nicola Marinacci's sarcophagus |
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| The "Mayor of Little Italy," John Ciarcia's columbarium |
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(L) During Mass, the society standard was displayed in the church sanctuary.
(R) A look inside the beautiful Basilica |
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| After Mass, worshipers take a commemorative photo |
