In celebration of their centennial year, the organizers of the Feasts of Saint Anthony and Saint Lucy are planning a special day of commemoration on Sunday, August 22. in the North End of Boston.
According to St. Anthony’s Feast Feast Committee Trustee Jason A. Aluia, the day of commemoration will begin at 12:00 p.m. at Saint Leonard Church with a special Centennial Mass celebrated by Cardinal Sean O’Malley. The Mass will conclude with a presentation of the Blessed Relic of Saint Lucy to the Saint Lucy Society.
“A procession will then proceed to Endicott Street for the exposition and blessing of the Statue of Santa Lucia and devotees,†said Aluia. “The Statue of Santa Lucia will then be taken through the streets of the North End in the Grand Solemn Procession accompanied by Italian street bands, drum and bugle corps, flower girls and color guard.â€
To commemorate this special occasion, the committee is planning a special all-day neighborhood festival in front of the Saint Anthony Society headquarters on Endicott Street.
“Everyone is invited to enjoy music, food vendors featuring feast favorites, al fresco dining, a Stella Artois Giardino and games for children,†said Aluia.
Festivities will continue Thursday, August 26 through Sunday, August 29, with the traditional Saint Anthony and Saint Lucy Feast weekend featuring live entertainment, culinary demonstrations, outdoor seating and vendors.
“The first procession of Saint Lucy was held in 1921 on the Monday after the Feast of Saint Anthony,†said Aluia. “The popularity of this Saint to the Italian immigrant population compelled founding members to expand the Feast of Saint Anthony to four days and begin celebrating a Feast of Saint Lucy annually. We invite you to join us in August to celebrate 100 years of faith, family, community and tradition.â€