This past Sunday, June 10, I greatly enjoyed spending a few hours with my many friends at St. Joseph’s Church in the West End of New Rochelle. Every June, this wonderful parish celebrates Saint Anthony of Padua. It is an impressive cultural and religious celebration. A mass was held, and then the flags of the Vatican, Italy and the US were honored. This was followed by a procession through the streets of the West End with a statue of St. Anthony, where people watch the procession and attach contributions to the statue. At the conclusion of the procession, everyone visits the feast, where the sausage and peppers and zeppole are very popular.
You can see my photos from this wonderful celebration on my blog:
http://jimmaisano.wordpress.com/2012/06/12/celebrating-st-anthony-in-west-end/
St. Anthony of Padua is especially beloved by Italians. He lived from 1195-1231, was a Franciscan monk and born in Portugal. St. Anthony lived in Morocco before settling in Padua, Italy. He was known as an eloquent speaker.
St. Anthony is considered the patron saint of “miracles,” and is associated with the return of lost things and missing persons. He is petitioned for help in finding almost everything that is lost. Because he traveled widely, St. Anthony is also prayed to for safe travel, especially when ocean voyages are involved. He is beloved by those that work on the sea, and sailors often keep a statue of him on the mast of the ships. St. Anthony’s feast day is June 13th.
Jim Maisano is the Minority Leader of the Westchester County Board of Legislators. He represents District 11 covering New Rochelle and Pelham. You can follow Jim on Facebook, Twitter or on his Blog. You can contact Jim at 914-995-2826 or CtyLegJimMaisano@gmail.com
Where are they when…
Yeah…About the only time you see our illustrious Council people…when there is an event and PLENTY OF CAMERAS !
Try contacting these people to help you with issues…Good Luck!
As far as the St. Anthony Feast is concerned…A long time tradition…Wonderful dedication to St. Anthony!
Mayor?
The mayor should have been there and where were the state legislators that represent west end? Every year, I only see Maisano & Trangucci.
Thanks Jim
This was a wonderful event and we are thankful to West End community that esnures this festival happens every year. In addition to the great food and games that the children enjoy, it is a reminder of the shared traditions that the Italian community and now the other immigrant groups that live in the West End share. Thank you Jim Maisano and Lou Trangucci for being the leaders of our community. And yes, there was no presence from other elected officials, like the Mayor, but it is Res Ipsa Loquitur.
Great tradition
Thanks for this. Where were the other politicians? When I was a kid, they all came to the feast and now Maisano is the only one that shows up. Good for Jim that he does not forget the west end. Lou Trangucci was there as always and he and his family always work very hard at feast to make sure we have all that great food. But that was it. I guess this new breed of NR politician (mostly from north end) don’t need the Italian vote any longer.