Ariela Martin Photo
Francis Santacroce has marched holding the American Flag “ever since I can remember.” He marched again Sunday, once again leading the Old World Traditional Procession to honor and celebrate the birth of Santa Maria Maddelana.
Santacroce leads the way.
The Society of Santa Maria Maddelana was formed on May 1, 1898, by immigrants from Atrani, Italy, who settled in New Haven. The society was named after their patron, Saint of Atrani. Each year, members celebrate Santa Maria Maddelana’s Feast Day, by holding a mass at Saint Michael’s Church, followed by a procession and celebrations. The event went off without a hitch Sunday.
Click here to read about last year’s procession.
Santacroce said he looks forward to being a part of the procession every year: “It’s very cheerful to see everyone together. Everyone knows each other — it’s great.” Santacroce grew up in Wooster Square; he remembers attending the procession ever since he was young.
According to Santacroce, eight men are needed to carry the statue of Santa Maria Maddelana, because “it weighs between 600 to 700 pounds.”
Andrew Consiglio, president of the Santa Maria Maddelana Society, has been a member of the society for over 40 years. “The Lord is with us today,” he said, “because the weather is much cooler. It’s usually always so hot when we do the parade, so this is just great.”
According to Consiglio, the parade used to draw hundreds. Although the numbers have dropped over the years, “it’s still a great celebration and tradition.”
Consiglio, a retired police officer who now develops real estate, spoke to the crowd of some 100 people who gathered for the procession Sunday, during a snack break at the Apostle Society’s Clubhouse at 515 Chapel St. They all then continued the walk to The Santa Maria Maddalena clubhouse at 123 Wooster S.
U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, a daughter of Wooster Square, walked in the parade, and also spoke. “I beg you… Don’t ever stop doing this,” she said. “This is so important to me.”
Democratic mayoral candidate Toni Harp also joined in the parade.
Ariela Martin, an Independent contributing reporter, is a student at Cooperative Arts & Humanities High School.