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Association St. Rocco of Valenzano

Chicago Section (Tel: 708.867.3739)

15th Celebration of Patron St. Rocco by Valenzanesi in Chicago

Norridge, August 6, 2000

In a tradition than spans 15 years, the Association St. Rocco of Valenzano in Chicago celebrated their patron saint, St. Rocco, with mass and outdoor procession on Sunday, August 6, at the Divine Savior Church in Norridge, a Chicago suburb. The mass, officiated by Father Paolo Longo and assisted by Father Mansueto, of the order Conboniani Missionaries in LaGrange Park, started at 2:00 pm with about 250 people in attendance. Father Paolo talked about how St. Rocco gives a sense of unity, identity, and tradition to this community of Valenzanesi in Chicago.

As customary, a procession was held outdoor on the grounds surrounding the church. Children were dressed in festive clothes while the Sicilian Band filled the air with cheerful tunes. The statue of St. Rocco was carried by four bearers on their shoulders. In this traditional custom, people took turn at carrying the statue, a task of considerable strength and endurance.

The procession was followed by a reception in the church hall were refreshments were served together with focaccia, lupini, nuts, and pastries, while the band played in the background. It was another wonderful celebration by the Valenzanesi community in Chicago. The event was organized by the Association St. Rocco of Valenzano, under the able direction of its president Frank DeFrenza and its affable wife Gemma. Committee members Tom and Rose Naccarata, Vito and Chiara Caringella, Dominick and Consiglia Uva, Frank Cisternino, and Mike Losurdo worked hard to ensure that the celebration was a success.

The following are pictures of the event.

Fig. 1.	Divine Savior Church, 7740 West Montrose, Norridge, IL.
Fig. 2.	Statue of St. Rocco.
Fig. 3.	Church filling up just before the mass.
Fig. 4.	Sermon by Father Paolo Longo.
Fig. 5.	Folllowers in the traditional costumes of St. Rocco Congregation.
Fig. 6.	... Frank Cassano,
Fig. 7.	About 250 people attended the mass.
Fig. 8.	Exiting the church for outdoor celebration.
Fig. 9.	St. Rocco in front of the church at the start of the procession.
Fig. 10.	Banner opening the procession.
Fig. 11.	People joining in the procession, following the banner.
Fig. 12.	Bearers carrying the statue, made even heavier by a tall and ornate base.
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