A Look at the 2015 Feast of Saint Padre Pio in Glendale, New York

Viva San Pio!

Photos courtesy of Vincent Panicola

Thank you Vincent Panicola for sharing your wonderful photos from Sunday's (Sept. 27th) Feast of Saint Padre Pio in Glendale, New York.

Departing Saint Pancras RC Church (72-22 68th St., Glendale, NY)

Adorable Angels gather outside Saint Pancras Church

Our pal Vincent Panicola carried the
St. Joseph and St. Pio Prayer Group standard

The procession makes its way through the neighborhood

There's always a terrific turnout for Padre Pio! Members of the Circolo Santa Margherita di Belice, Associazione Cattolica Italiana di Miraculous Medal, Societa Concordia Partanna, and Knights of Columbus were among the celebrants

(Above and below) Little ones enjoying the festivities

The children show their appreciation for New York's Bravest

Devotees festively decorated their houses along the procession route

Congratulations Achille Pirro

Photo of the Week: Detail of the Triumphal Arch of the Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino)

Detail of the Triumphal Arch of the Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino), Napoli. The Renaissance masterpiece commemorates the arrival of Alfonso I to Naples in 1443. Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Opening Night of the First Annual Feast of the Madonna di Montevergine in Dyker Heights

Evviva Mamma Schiavona!

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Last night after work, I stopped by the Knights of Columbus Archbishop John Hughes Council 481 (1305 86th St.) in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn for the opening night of the First Annual Feast of the Madonna di Montevergine. Before entering the bustling fairgrounds, I stopped by the outdoor shrine on the veranda to make a donation and say a prayer. I was happy to learn that every penny donated will be given to the Santuario di Montevergine in Avellino, and that the prayer cards received for the offering were blessed at the sanctuary.

I met several nice people around the shrine, including organizers Antonio and Maria Limone who shared with me their deep and personal devotion to the Blessed Mother and the promise they made Her for answering their prayers.

Naturally, I couldn’t leave without trying the fresh made zeppole and exploring the grounds. Being a school night it started winding down a bit early, but they do have plenty of rides, games and festival foods (cotton candy, potato tornado, etc.) for the kids; I’m sure the weekend will be hopping. After tonight, there’s only two days left to get over there and celebrate.

Thank you Tony and Maria, and all the Knights for organizing this spectacular event. I look forward to Sunday's Procession (Sept. 27th) from the council building (2PM sharp!) to St. Frances Cabrini Church (1562 86th St. at 3PM), where they will carry the sacred image of Mamma Schiavona, complete with honor guard and recorded music (I’m told next year they will start using a festival band). Evviva Maria!

Fourth Degree Knight Antonio Limone by the outdoor shrine

This year's terrific raffle prizes include baskets of wine

Stop by the zeppole stand for dessert

Compra Sud — Caputo's Fine Foods

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Let's support those who keep our traditions and folkways alive

Caputo's Fine Foods
460 Court Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231
(718) 855-8852

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* Our recommendations will be unsolicited, and only from our personal experience. No second hand suggestions will be made.

Evviva San Gennaro!

A Look at the 89th Annual Feast of San Gennaro in New York City's Historic Little Italy

Bust of the Patron Saint of Naples inside Most Precious Blood Church

Photos courtesy of New York Scugnizzo

Saturday, September 19th, I had the great honor and privilege of carrying the statue of our beloved patron San Gennaro through the bustling streets of Little Italy on his feast day. I would like to thank Achille Pirro and Mark Mascioli for making it happen, as well as my fellow lifters for their support and confidence; I had the time of my life! Special thanks to President Joseph Mattone, John Fratta and all the members of the Figli di San Gennaro, Inc. for their hard work and dedication. I look forward to celebrating with you again next year for the 90th Anniversary. Evviva San Gennaro!

(Above and below) The Procession makes its way through Little Italy

Napoli's native son Giuseppe Marrone was all smiles

A great time was had by all

Tears of joy as we pass through the throng of revelers

Thank you officer Danile and all of New York's Finest for doing a great job

(Right) The relic of San Gennaro is carried through the streets. (Left) Sisters from the Russian Catholic Chapel of the Archangel Michael venerate the relic

The Red Mike Festival Band

Outside St. Patrick's Old Cathedral is transformed into Piazza Napoli

Devotees pin donations at the outdoor shrine on Mulberry Street

A close-up of the reliquary

Photo of the Week: Dante Alighieri Monument

Dante Alighieri by Tito Angelini in Piazza Dante, Napoli 
Photo by New York Scugnizzo

It's a Boy! Congratulations Stephen and Donna Napoli on the Birth of Your Little Bundle of Joy

Baby Stephen was born August 1, 2015 at 4:24 PM 
He's 19 inches long and weighs 6 Pounds, 9 Ounces

May God bless your family with health and happiness.

Evviva Maria!

A Look at the 8th Annual Festa della Madonna Addolorata in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn

Evviva Maria!

Photos by New York Scugnizzo

Sunday, September 13th, I joined members of the Associazione Culturale Pugliese Figli Maria S.S. Addolorata at Saint Athanasius Church in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, for the 8th Annual Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, Patroness of Mola di Bari.

Festivities kicked-off with a moving rendition of "Ave Maria" (Left),
 while revelers get ready to release balloons and confetti (right)

An explosion of confetti greets the Madonna outside Saint Athanasius Church 

Last year's Grand Marshals Chiarina and Mario Colella join
2015 Grand Marshals Stephen, Lucia and Salvatore La Rocca 

Kiara Nicastro (Left), dressed as the Madonna Addolorata, and 
Christina Nardulli (right), Regina of the Association, were all smiles

Our friends from the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Fraternal Society
Peter, Ennio, Joe and Elizabeth show their support

The Procession departs Saint Athanasius Church
and makes its way through the neighborhood

Plenty of pomp and pageantry

Members sing and pray as they march

(Above and below) Outdoor shrines were set up along the procession's route 

Thank you Josephine DiDonna, Lucrezia Nardulli, JoAnn Marinelli, and all the members of the society for your hard work and dedication

After about three hours, we make our way back to the church 

The Procession saunters down 60th Street 

Michael Aromando and The Metropolitan Festival Band

Back at St. Athanasius, members pose for a picture

After Mass, our ladies sing one more hymn to Our Lady

Devotees pray before the statue

We return the statue to the ornately decorated chapel 

The celebration lasted into the night with plenty of food, music and dancing 

What is it about Neal Diamond's "Sweet Caroline"
that gets everybody dancing?