Getting Ready for the Big Day

Evviva San Rocco!

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

As the 128th Annual Feast of San Rocco di Potenza draws near, members of the Feast Committee took care of some final preparations at Most Precious Blood Church Friday evening, including placing the world famous papier-mâché statue of San Rocco on the Guariglia bye-altar with scarlet backdrop. The flowers have been ordered and will be placed before the high altar and statue on Saturday morning.

In an effort to expand the fête, organizers have added a San Rocco Triduum to this year’s festivities. Devotees will gather at the church Thursday, August 17th through Saturday, August 19th (7pm–8pm) for three days of prayer to our glorious patron.

The Feast will be celebrated on Sunday, August 20th at the Shrine Church of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus (113 Baxter Street) in Manhattan’s historic Little Italy. Mass will be celebrated at 12pm, followed by the procession with statue and first class relic of San Rocco. Danny Vecchiano and the Giglio Band will accompany the procession through the streets of Little Italy and Chinatown. Religious goods and raffles will be available for purchase outside the church and, as always, after the procession, partygoers will dance the night away and enjoy some delicious southern Italian fare provided by Peppino’s from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.

We look forward to seeing you there. Viva San Rocco!