Began Novena to Santa Rosalia at the Annual Feast in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn

Santa Rosalia, ora pro nobis

Members of the Fratelli della Santa Fede, or Brothers of the Holy Faith (Sanfedisti for short), began our novena to Santa Rosalia yesterday at the outdoor shrine on 18th Avenue in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn in preparation for the Feast on September 4th. Evviva Santa Rosalia!

Reclining statue from the now-closed Santa Rosalia Church

Picked up some prayer cards for family and friends

Great to see our friends Renato and Angelo of the Figli di Santa Rosalia

The outdoor chapel on 18th Avenue, between 71 St. and 72 St

We met up with some friends afterword and enjoyed some delicious Sicilian street fare at Lucy’s and dessert a Villabate Alba Pasticceria.

Stigghiola (roasted lamb intestines)

Grilled octopus

Ham hocks

Brioche con gelato

The procession with marching band, float and statue will begin at 3:00 pm on Sunday, August 29th at the outdoor chapel on 72nd Street and 18th Avenue. Mass will be celebrated at St. Dominic’s Church (2001 Bay Ridge Parkway) at 4:00 pm.