Bensonhurst’s Good Friday Procession of the Dead Christ
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| My day began in quiet reflection at the Shrine Church of St. Bernadette in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. Photos by New York Scugnizzo |
Despite the cold weather and threat of rain, Italian American Catholics came out in force in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, last night for the annual Good Friday procession and prayer service.
Led by the Most Reverend Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, parishioners from Saint Athanasius, Saint Dominic, Regina Pacis, Saints Simon and Jude, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Saint Finbar, Saint Mary Mother of Jesus, Saint Bernadette and Saint Frances Cabrini took part in this solemn tradition. They were joined by members of the Italian-American Apostolate, the Knights of Columbus, Gruppo Italiano Sant'Atanasio (G.I.S.A.), the Santa Fortunata Society, the St. Rocco Society of Potenza, and the Associazione Culturale Pugliese Figli Maria SS. Addolorata, among others.
Rotating between the churches, this year Saint Athanasius Church (2154 61st St.) had the honor of hosting the Benediction and prayer service. Bishop DiMarzio concluded the outdoor ceremony in English and Italian with a blessing with the Relic of the True Cross.
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| Special thanks to John Cordi and the members of the Holy Name Society for organizing the St. Bernadette contingent of the procession |
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| (L) For the first time, the Figli Maria SS. Addolorata statue of Our Lady of Sorrows was used in the procession. (R) The procession began at St. Dominic's |
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| Devotees carry the statue of the Dead Christ through the neighborhood |
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(L) Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio led us through the cold streets of Brooklyn.
(R) Lucrezia Nardulli, president of the Associazione Culturale Pugliese Figli Maria SS. Addolorata, with Msgr. David Cassato, Pastor of St. Athanasius Church |
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| Devotees take turns carrying the Madonna Addolorata |
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| Members of the Associazione Culturale Pugliese Figli Maria SS. Addolorata |
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| The Knights of Columbus served as Honor Guard |
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| Members of the Holy Name Society of Saint Bernadette |
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| Members of Gruppo Italiano Sant'Atanasio (G.I.S.A.) |
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| Members of the Italian-American Apostolate of St. Mary, Mother of Jesus |
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| Members of St. Dominic's Church |
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| Members of the St. Frances Cabrini Society of Brooklyn |
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| Members of St. Finbar Church |
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| Thousands gather outside St. Athanasius Church for the prayer service |
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| Our Lady of Sorrows meets the Dead Christ outside St. Athanasius Church |
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(L) Blessing with the Relic of the True Cross.
(R) Crucifix outside St. Athanasius school |
