Can You Go Home Again?

Recently I've been going back to the area where I grew up. While it is for a sad and stressful reason, I really don't mind. While on the way down Franklin Avenue in Belleville during a recent trip, I found was thinking to myself how much I missed the area. When I mentioned this to…

St. Lucy’s Loses a Giant

In the past I have written about a long-time giant at St. Lucy's Church in Newark, NJ, Monsignor Joseph Granato. He served the parishioners of St. Lucy's for 54 years; his entire time of service. I am sad to report the Monsignor went home to the Lord a few days ago. Monsignor Joseph J. Granato…

Italian Heritage in New Jersey: St. Lucy’s Church

If someone asked me what is the most important location associated with Italian heritage in New Jersey, I would say without hesitation St. Lucy's Church. Since its cornerstone was placed in 1891, St. Lucy's Church in Newark has been a source of pride and devotion for the millions of Italian immigrants and the generations that…

October is Italian Heritage Month

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you know I am a proud New Jerseyan. I am also very proud of my Italian heritage. October in Italian Heritage Month and as I do each year, I plan on writing about New Jerseyans of Italian heritage that have made a significant impact on our…

Italian Heritage in New Jersey: Rose Fieramosca

You've probably never heard of today's New Jerseyan of Italian heritage. She wasn't famous, or rich, or any of the other things most would people consider noteworthy. She was a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, an aunt, a great cook, and a devout Catholic. She was my Grandmother - Rosina Fucetola Fieramosca. Like many of…

Italian Heritage in New Jersey: Msgr. Joseph Granato

If there is anyone who should be the first individual I highlight for Italian Heritage Month, it must be Msgr. Joseph Granato. Msgr. Granato borders on rock star status at St. Lucy's Church in Newark, home to the National Shrine of St. Gerard. He served St. Lucy's for 54 years. It was the only parish…

Heritage

heritage noun her·​i·​tage | \ ˈher-ə-tij  , ˈhe-rə- \ Definition of heritage 1: property that descends to an heir 2a: something transmitted by or acquired from a predecessor : LEGACY, INHERITANCE proud of her Italian heritage a rich heritage of folklore The battlefields are part of our heritage and should be preserved. b: TRADITION the…

Ramblin’ Around: Jersey Events this Weekend

In the fall there are plenty of weekend festivals. It seems like the third weekend of October are always full of great events. There are three specific festivals I would like to share with you. The Feast of St. Gerard: Saint Lucy's Church on Seventh Avenue in Newark is the home of the National Shrine…