Carroll Gardens march marks 64 years of honoring Patron Saint

September 7, 2012 By Francesca Norsen Tate, Religion Editor

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A Carroll Gardens tradition continues this year.

Brooklyn’s first Italian Roman Catholic Parish will host the Congrega Maria S.S. Addolorata and the people of Mola Di Bari as they honor the feast of their hometown patron saint with a traditional Italian street Procession and Mass this Sunday, Sept. 9.

In a community that has seen a changing identity from its historic days as an Italian stronghold, events such as these recall the humble history of now glamorous brownstones. This year will mark the 64th annual procession, which concludes with a fireworks display and Mass celebrated by Most Rev. Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn.

According to information on saints and the liturgical year found on several Roman Catholic websites, the commemoration for Our Lady of Sorrows (sometimes called Mother of Sorrows), is observed on Sept. 15. (The Church observes the birthday of Mary on Sept. 8).

The Seven Sorrows of Mary are derived from seven events described in the four Gospels pertaining to the life, ministry and crucifixion of Jesus Christ: The prophecy of Simeon (found in Luke 2:25-35); the flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15); the loss of the Child Jesus for three days during the pilgrimage back from Jerusalem (Luke 2:41-50) ; Mary’s encounter with Jesus on his way to Calvary (Luke 23:27-31; John 19:17); the Crucifixion and Death of Jesus (John 19:25-30); the body of Jesus being taken from the Cross (Luke 23:50-54; John 19:31-37); and the burial of Jesus (Isaiah 53:8; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42; Mark 15:40-47).

“The image of the Blessed Mother under the title of, Our Lady of Sorrows is an example to us all of the pain and suffering felt when we lose someone we love in a sudden and violent way. She shows us that it is appropriate to mourn while at the same time never losing our faith, an important lesson to remember leading into the 11th anniversary of the September 11th attacks,” remarked John Heyer, one of the event organizers. “The procession this year will be particularly somber for more than one reason.”

The statue of Our Lady of Sorrows will be carried from the church, starting at 3 p.m. and will be brought through the streets upon the shoulders of the faithful. Men and women devoted to Our Lady will accompany this procession, which will then travel throughout the neighborhood, stopping for food and drink. The procession will return to Sacred Hearts and St. Stephen Church at 7 pm for an Italian-language Mass.