by Laura DePalma

Hundreds of people crowded the street in front of St. Mel’s parish in Flushing, as 5 p.m. neared and everyone readied themselves to begin the procession celebrating the 33rd annual Italian Apostolate Day on Sunday, Sept. 5.

The procession, from St. Mel’s to St. Luke’s Church just a mile away in Whitestone, would culminate in a Mass celebrated by Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio. Groups from Our Lady of Grace, St. Athanasius, St Luke’s, St. Mel’s, St. Rosalia-Regina Pacis and many other parishes throughout Brooklyn and Queens participated. Everyone was excited, and the sound of rapid Italian filled the air as people gathered behind their parish banners.

The conversation quickly gave way to prayers and singing as the procession began. People sat on their stoops, stood on corners and leaned out of windows as the crowd passed, echoes of “Ave Maria, piena di grazia…” drawing their attention and interest. Meanwhile, the members of the Italian Apostolate raised their banners proudly, waved to the children on the sidelines and continued to pray.

Most of the people participating in the walk were part of the apostolate, a group that brings together the Italian immigrants of the Brooklyn and Queens Diocese. The procession honored the Blessed Mother but also celebrated the community created by the Italian Apostolate.

“[I’ve been taking part for] at least 20 to 25 years,” said Nicholas, one of the participants, and he is just one of many who look forward to this annual event as an opportunity to share their Italian culture as well as their devotion to their faith.

While everyone enjoyed being amongst a group of people with the same culture and faith, some had more personal reasons for joining in the procession.

“I enjoy doing this because I like to see all the people together,” said Frank. “I do it because my mom was also involved in this, and I’m going to keep the devotion and the tradition (going). My mom is watching over me.”

He walked not only for himself but for his mother and her legacy.

Whatever their reason for participating, everyone shared in the joy created by being together. In the cool, clear air of late summer, with the sun shining and the wind just barely blowing, the enthusiasm of the crowd was tangible as the group neared St. Luke’s.

As soon as everyone was settled in the church, Mass began. Bishop DiMarzio was joined on the altar by Deacon Dante Colandrea of St. Athanasius, who coordinated the event, as well as many priests and deacons from participating parishes.

Mass was celebrated in Italian and followed by a short reception. As the celebration came to an end, one man captured the mood perfectly.

Nicholas said, “We’ve done it for so many years, and we hope we can do it forever.”