One of the longstanding May traditions in South Philadelphia’s Bella Vista neighborhood is the Procession of Saints during the Italian Market Festival. I was one of the hundreds who gathered at historic St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi Church on Sunday morning. I joined musicians, Italian dignitaries and parishioners in a strolling parade from 8th and Montrose to 9th and Washington.
Saintly Blessings
Saint statue displays were lined up on wheeled carts for a full block. People would walk over to a cart for their favorite saint and say a silent prayer. Then they would pin a dollar bill on the saints’ robes in thanks and as a blessing. I made a donation to Saint Ann in honor of my mother Rita Ann. Father John Large from St. Paul Catholic Parish led the parade and bestowed a group blessing with holy water. One of the parade highlights was walking with St. Mary’s students who were in their white First Holy Communion and Confirmation finery.