Category: Feasts
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La Befana Knows
Whether you are naughty or good, La Befana knows! If you misbehaved over the last year, then this friendly witch could leave you coal or sticks in your stocking. If you were well-behaved, then she might leave you candy or other goodies (In the past, it might have been dried figs, dates, honey, and almonds.).…
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The Mystery Of Eyes On A Plate
You can easily identify Santa Lucia because she holds eyes on a plate. In my last post I mentioned that she denied her promised dowery and hand in marriage to a young pagan man during a period in the early 4th century when Christianity was illegal. Well, she wanted to devote herself to Jesus, and…
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Santa Lucia in New York City, December 10
Viva Santa Lucia! The Feast of Saint Lucy is approaching. On Sunday, December 10, join me in New York City for our annual lunch to recognize the power of this ancient patroness of light, eyes, sight, insight, and wheat. Lucia lived in the late 3rd century. An early Christian, she devoted herself to Jesus and…
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Santa Lucia Will Light Our Way: Join Us On Dec. 10 in New York City
Today in NY the day grew dark very early. This is when I know that the Feast of Santa Lucia is drawing close. On Sun., Dec. 10 at Cacio e Pepe restaurant in New York City, we’ll gather together for our annual Sicilian-inspired luncheon for the patroness of light, eyes, insight, and wheat. It’s time…
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Walking Alongside The Black Madonna Of Tindari
Last evening, in anticipation for today’s Feast of the Madonna, I made a pilgrimage to Tindari to see the procession of the Madonna Nera, the Black Madonna of Tindari. I’ve been devoted to this Madonna for many years, so to finally be able to attend the feast with other devotees was special for me. Tindari…
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September 8 Marks A Rebirth
September 8 is considered the birthday of the Blessed Mother by the Catholic Church. As a result, throughout Sicily this week, there are festivals to celebrate the Madonna. It’s not clear why this date was officially chosen as such; however, let’s consider the cycle for cultivating grain — an essential crop for sustaining life in…
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Lentini, Sicily’s Feast for Sant’Alfio
Attending the Feast of Sant’Alfio in Lentini last week during Photography in Sicily was very moving. The annual ritual they practice is called “I Nudi,” the nudes. Devotees are barefoot and only dressed in shorts (women wear shirts) carrying flowers in one hand and holding their other hand at their backs. In this posture, they…
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How The Passion Of Jesus Is Expressed In Sicily
The passion of Jesus is expressed through statue scenes that are carried through the medieval streets of Erice on Good Friday. This is one example of such life-like sculptures that are processed through many towns that host such a traditional. Trapani is another outstanding place to witness “I Misteri.”
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Our Saint Joseph’s Day Feast 2023
This glimpse into our Saint Joseph’s Day feast in New York City on Sunday, March 19 is just that – – a glimpse. It’s hard to capture the lovely feeling in the room that was created by people being together to celebrate spring’s arrival and the powerful San Giuseppe. I feel so blessed to have…