On Good Friday, an Italian Procession Steeped in Tradition
The Sacred Hearts and St. Stephens church procession has been a neighborhood constant since 1882
On Friday, don't be shocked to see people dressed all in black processing solemnly through the streets of Carroll Gardens.
The annual Good Friday procession, held in and around Sacred Hearts and St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church on Summit Street, is an extremely important and meaningful religious event. Italian Catholics from all over the tri-state area attend every year.
"There is a band with music, women doing the rosary the entire time, figures marching through the streets, it's majestic and pretty," said church historian and archivist John Heyer II.
Beginning at 7 p.m., the procession winds its way through the streets surrounding the church, and ends with a prayer service in Italian at Sacred Hearts and St. Stephens. Guided only by candlelight, two statues will be carried by parishoners through the streets. One is a statue of Jesus, encased in glass, and the other is Mary the Mother of Jesus, under the title Our Lady of Sorrows. Both have been used in the procession for more than 60 years.
The Congregation of Our Lady of Sorrows, who will carry the Mary Addolorata statue, is made up of members from the town of Mola in Bari, Italy.
The procession is "a staple of what Carroll Gardens is all about" said Heyer.
"With the changing demographics of the neighborhood, we want people to know that things like this, women dressed all in black, is not meant to be mysterious," said Heyer. "We want to embrace everyone."
The procession is surely a sight to see and hear, with Italian songs sung and a marching band playing, but Heyer says he hopes new residents will join in, or at least watch with respect.
"It may look mafioso, but it isn't like that," Heyer said with a chuckle. "This is part of the identity of Carroll Gardens, it's unique and special."
landlord69
4:26 pm on Thursday, April 21, 2011
I do hope folks don't snicker while the procession passes--I've seen this in the past. Please show some respect, it is supposed to be a solemn event.
Maria Heyer
5:45 pm on Thursday, April 21, 2011
As a first generation Italian-American and proud Catholic, I love that here in Carroll Gardens we can celebrate the diversity of America and allow people to express their faith and culture in our streets. As Brooklyn's Oldest Italian Church, I am happy that Sacred Hearts-St. Stephen has maintained this tradition, even for this generation which sometimes must be reminded that freedom of religion means allowing people to practice their religion. As a member of the Parish, I welcome all to walk with us this Friday with respect and love.
Danielle
9:01 pm on Thursday, April 21, 2011
Where does the procession start - at St. Stephen Church?
Georgia Kral
9:27 pm on Thursday, April 21, 2011
Yes on Summit Street by Hicks!
Danielle
9:37 pm on Thursday, April 21, 2011
Cool - thanks!
Diane Saarinen
5:57 am on Friday, April 22, 2011
I take photos of the procession every year since I've been here in CG, 13 years now, because it is very solemn, majestic and dramatic. Wouldn't miss it!
ANONYMOUS
6:30 am on Friday, April 22, 2011
Georgia, thank you so much for helping to get the message out about this event. As we discussed in the past it is a good thing for the newer residents to help understand the importance of these things to the longtime residents.
I hope the newer residents (whatever religion or belief) watch this and try to understand. Understanding..makes the difference and you certainly have helped to create a 'PATCH"...thanks for listening..I will be in touch
Paolina
8:40 am on Friday, April 22, 2011
As a former resident, born and raised in 'the neighborhood' I do recall the parish participants gathering through the streets celebrating various feast days of the Saints. As a child, I watched as the saint was carried and the local residents pinned money onto the dress and the 'float' as it passed carried by strong neighborhood men. It was a very respectful display filled with love of the saint which was represented by the statue. Many women prayed the rosary in adoration.
Today is "Good Friday" a day of reverence for Jesus who died on the cross for us. Prayers should be said by all especially for 'world peace'; "love thy neighbor as thyself" and those who participate could attend the 'stations of the cross' reminding us of how Jesus suffered for us. Pauline
Diane Saarinen
2:19 pm on Friday, April 22, 2011
I was trying to upload a video from last year's procession but was having difficulty. Here it is:
http://youtu.be/FkkFIR2UME0
Diane Saarinen
8:13 am on Saturday, April 23, 2011
Me again! I truly love this procession and here is video of last night's (2011) procession with women singing an Italian hymn and the Saint following them.
http://youtu.be/_2nBVPhrDe8
Danielle
12:24 pm on Saturday, April 23, 2011
Diane, I, too, have been in the nabe for 13 years and love it here (I've also lived in the North End of Boston for 5 years - Boston's Little Italy). I, unfortunately, forgot about the procession so I missed it so I do appreciate seeing the video. I found another video of the procession from YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkkFIR2UME0&NR=1