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San Gennaro shrine by the altar
Photos by New York Scugnizzo |
By Giovanni di Napoli
Friday, September 19th, I
made my way to Most Precious Blood Church in New York City’s Little Italy to
meet some friends and celebrate the Feast of our beloved patron San Gennaro. The evening began with a special Mass celebrated in English and Italian with Monsignor Cassato, visiting from
Saint Athanasius Church in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. After Communion, soprano
Cristina Fontanelli sang a stirring rendition of Ave Maria, which received a rousing applause from the congregation.
Following Mass, San Gennaro
was presented (with much fanfare) to the throng of revelers outside the church.
This year, members of the Giglio Society of Williamsburg, Brooklyn had the
honor of carrying the statue through the packed streets of Little Italy.
Accompanied by the Red Mike Festival Band, the procession slowly made its way
up Mulberry Street, stopping repeatedly outside the many booths and
storefronts, to show their gratitude for the generous donations.
After the Procession, my
friends and I stopped by the big stage on Grand Street (outside the legendary Di Palo’s Fine Foods) to
see tenor Jimmy Alleva perform some of our favorite Neapolitan songs. A great
talent and terrific showman, Jimmy had members of the audience dancing and singing along in the streets.
Naturally, surrounded by so much food, it didn't take
long before someone suggested we go get dinner. With so many options to choose
from it was difficult to pick a place, but eventually we decided to go eat at
Forlini’s, an old-school Italian restaurant on Baxter Street, where we enjoyed lively conversation, a
delicious meal and terrific service. Special thanks to Joe the maître d' for the great dining experience.
In addition to being culturally rewarding, our faith-filled celebration was spiritually edifying. All in all, it was a fitting tribute to the Patron Saint of Naples. Evviva San Gennaro!
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| Leaving Most Precious Blood Church, National Shrine to San Gennaro |
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| The procession crawls along bustling Mulberry Street |
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| We stopped by the outdoor chapel |
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| At the chapel, devotees pinned donations on to the statue |
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You never know who you'll run into at the Feast:
(L-R) Andrew "Ciacci" Giordano of the Black Cats NYC and Marcantonio Pezzano |
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| The great Jimmy Alleva sang our favorite Neapolitan songs |
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| Jimmy had the audience dancing in the street |
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| Forlini’s scungilli and calamari salad |
