Tropical Storm Henri and Covid Were no Match for San Rocco

San Rocco, ora pro nobis

As advertised, the 132nd Annual Feast of San Rocco in Little Italy, New York took place rain or shine. Some fifty diehard devotees braved the inclement weather for the Mass at Most Precious Blood Church (113 Baxter St.) and over three hour-long procession in the rain with statue and Giglio Band through China Town, Knickerbocker and Little Italy.

Busy carrying the statue, and unwilling to risk my camera in the downpour, I didn't take any photos of us trudging through the puddled streets of Lower Manhattan, but I assure you it was a sight to behold. The passion, devotion and determination of all the participants would be hard to match during any of our fair-weather celebrations. Evviva San Rocco!

(L) The statue was dressed with ribbons for donations and other votive offerings. (R) The society presented a plaque to the Cordi family in loving memory of longtime member and friend, Rocco Cordi. Sorely missed, Rocco will forever be a part of our celebration and in our prayers.

(Above & below) The papier-mâché putti and dog
were removed to keep them safe from the elements.

Traditional wax ex-voto for graces received

Votive candles are lit inside the church 

Gold ex-voto are also attached to the statue

The statue is cloaked with money capes

(L) Wrapped in protective plastic for the rain, the statue is returned to the sanctuary after the procession. (R) The society's standard

Freed from the obtrusive, but necessary, covering,
the offerings are removed from the statue