Archive for September 18th, 2009
Leave the 27th of September open, if you’re an Astorian
St. Joseph’s Church 30th avenue bet 44 and 45 streets, Astoria – photo by Mitch Waxman
Founded in 1878 by German Catholics, St. Josephs is clad in the yellow Kreischer brick so typical of this part of Astoria. A massive complex, the church also maintains a school and (or, used to maintain) domestic residences for both Priests and Nuns. On the 27th of September, at 1 in the afternoon, they will enacting the procession of San Pio. This is not dissimilar to the Orsogna Society Parade I was lucky enough to catch last month, but on a grander scale. In past years, I observed Catholic offices as high as Deacon represented and in attendance at this marching of the Saint’s statue. This parade will kick off a sequence of celebratory events at St. Joseph’s- which I’ll be covering in some detail- as it’s around the corner from my house.
from wikipedia
St. Pio of Pietrelcina (May 25, 1887 – September 23, 1968), also known as Saint Padre Pio, was a Capuchin priest from Italy who is venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church. He was born Francesco Forgione, and given the name Pio when he joined the Capuchins; he was popularly known as Padre Pio after his ordination to the priesthood. He became famous for his stigmata.
St. Joseph’s Church parade- 2006, Astoria – photo by Mitch Waxman
Here’s a short Queens Tribune report on the 2006 event. Pio was renowned as an exorcist and stigmatic, which is kind of interesting all on its own. More to come…
The Newtown Pentacle 