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Evviva Maria!
Photos by New York Scugnizzo
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Despite the menacing forecast, over two hundred pilgrims gathered at Holy Face Monastery in Clifton, New Jersey Sunday morning for the Feast of the Madonna del Sacro Monte. Thankfully, the rain never materialized and we all had a fantastic time celebrating our faith and culture.
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| (L.) John, Stephanie and Nicole affixed the crowns to the statue. (R.) HE Cav. John M. Viola of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George with cavalieri Vito Totino of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre and John Napoli |
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| (Above & below) The Missa Cantata was celebrated by Fr. Anthony Mastroeni |
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The traditional Mass was sung by the outdoor chapels
of the Madonna del Sacro Monte and the Immaculate Heart of Mary |
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Members of the Congregazione Maria Ss. del Sacro Monte
stand watch by the statue of the Blessed Mother |
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| (L-R) Beautiful mosaic and stain glass window inside the chapel |
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Vesting prayers for La Congregazione Maria Ss. del Sacro Monte
di Novi Velia Salerno di Jersey City, New Jersey |
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| After Mass, devotees carry the Blessed Mother along the monastery path |
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| Fr. Mastroeni is escorted by servers and Knights |
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| With great pageantry, the procession circles the monastery three times |
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| The Tony Neglia Band |
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| Ladies carried flowers and votive candles |
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(L.) The festivities included traditional southern Italian music.
(R.) Devotees pin donations on to the statue |
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| Afterward, revelers enjoyed a festive luncheon |
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| Our friends from the Sandu Manghesi del Cliento Club |
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| We enjoyed a terrific barbecue with all the fixins |
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| I inhaled a tasty marinated sliced pork and peppers sandwich |
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| Ciro DiLorenzo sang all our favorite Neapolitan & Italian American songs |
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| There was plenty of fresh air and fun games for kids... |
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| ...and adults alike |
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The ladies enjoyed a very competitive game of “pass the provolone,”
a humorous take on “hot potato,” where the winner gets the cheese |
