 |
The statue and relic of San Vincenzo beneath the Guariglia bye altar
Photos by New York Scugnizzo and Lucia Malanga-LaRocca |
By Giovanni di Napoli
Sunday morning, I joined my Cracotan friends at the Shrine Church of the Most Precious Blood (113 Baxter St.) in Little Italy, New York for the 117th Annual Feast of San Vincenzo, Martire di Craco. Msgr. Nicholas Grieco, himself a descendant of immigrants from Craco Vecchio in Basilicata, was the celebrant and he was dutifully assisted by Cantor Susan Mello. Members of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George were in attendance.
Thank you Fred Spero, Stephen La Rocca and all the members of the Craco Society for your hard work and dedication. As always, it was a tremendous pleasure to celebrate our faith and culture together. Viva San Vincenzo!
 |
| Members of the Craco Society fill the pews |
 |
| Mass was celebrated by Msgr. Nicholas Grieco |
 |
| The First Reading |
 |
| The Second Reading |
 |
| Proclaiming the intercessions |
 |
| Cantor Susan Mello |
 |
| Msgr. Grieco spoke at length about San Vincenzo |
 |
(L) Stephen LaRocca with the first class relic of San Vincenzo.
(R) Donations are pinned to the miniature statue of the saint |
 |
| Stephen teaching his son how to venerate the saints |
 |
Dame Luisa Cristofano with Cavalieri Vincent Gangone and John Napoli
of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George |
 |
| Partygoers enjoyed a festive luncheon at Il Cortile Restaurant |
Addendum 1: The Feast of Sant’Angelo d’Acri
After Mass, I had the privilege of helping carry the statue of SantAngelo d’Acri from his niche in the rear of the church to the bye alter for the upcoming Mass in the Saint’s honor. Though I was unable to stay for the Mass, it was a great pleasure to be able to contribute something in my own small way to the celebration. Viva SantAngelo d’Acri!
 |
(L) Devotees of Sant'Angelo d'Acri gather around the statue.
(R) Looks like Salvatore has the same devotion to the saints as his father |
Addendum 2: Watching Napoli at Ribalta
Instead of partaking in the Craco Society’s festive luncheon at Il Cortile Restaurant (125 Mulberry St.) in Little Italy, a few of us decided to break bread at Ribalta (48 E 12th St.)—the official headquarters of Club Napoli NYC—and watch SSC Napoli’s highly anticipated match against AS Roma in the always contentious Derby del Sole (Derby of the Sun) at the Stadio San Paolo in Naples.
Packed to the rafters with raucous Napoli fans, we ate, drank and sang our fill, ever willing on our beloved Partenopei against La Lupa. Though the game ended in a disappointing 1-1 tie, we still had a terrific time. Forza Napoli Sempre!
 |
Stewed baby octopus
|
 |
Fried calamari with lemon aioli sauce and a bottle Aglianico
|
 |
The Borbone
|
 |
The Marinara with anchovy
|
