This Is My New Jersey

I haven’t had the opportunity to post lately. It hasn’t been for lack of want, or news, or interest. It’s mainly due to a lack of energy.

It is hard to believe, but almost two weeks ago, I had orthognathic surgery to address issues I developed from a fall while out fly fishing with my husband. After almost a year of braces and pre-surgical treatment, I took the next big step and went under the knife for six hours to address injuries I sustained in my jaw and sinuses. I spent a few days in the hospital and am now home with a wired shut jaw. Now my days consist of sleeping and a medication regimen that leaves my exhausted, and my meals include Ensure and Gatorade through a syringe. Oh, and I don’t recommend sneezing.

Moving forward

Today I was finally able to muster enough energy to write a post. As we are shifting into the warmth of spring, the New Jersey Italian cultural calendar is packed full of wonderful events. While I will, unfortunately, be unable to participate in these them due to my surgical recovery, I highly encourage you to attend any of these events. Some are fun, some are for religious reflection, and some are educational, but all are well worthwhile!

May 9-11: Paisan Con 2025; Rutherford

If there is one event, I am sad I am missing, it is Paisan Con. During the show’s first ever event, I was thrilled to act as moderator and host of several panels, as well as leading two lectures on the research around my recently released book, The Italians of Newark: A History. This event takes place May 9-11 at The Williams Center; 15 Sylvan Street in Rutherford. They have gone all out with an expanded film festival and a special Mother’s Day Charity Show Sunday evening.

May 15-17: The Feast of the Madonna Del Sacro Monte; Clifton

The Santuario della Madonna del Sacro Monte, or Shrine of Our Lady of the Sacred Mountain, on Mount Gelbison, outside of Novi Velia, Salerno, has for centuries been a place of pilgrimage from the southern Italian regions of Campania, Basilicata and Calabria. Now, organizer Patrick O’Boyle has spared no expense in reviving this traditional feast at the beautiful hilltop of Holy Face Monastary, 1697 Route 3 East in Clifton beginning with the Triduum Novena on Thursday, May 15th and will culminate with a Solemn High Mass and procession at 11:30am. These event will bring you back to an earlier time where the feast was not just a street celebration, but a time for religious reflection and ethnic pride.

May 15-18: Madonna della Fontana & Arcangelo Sam Michele; Newark

The same weekend as The Santuario della Madonna del Sacro Monte, is an equally moving and culturally significant feast focused on our Italian heritage and religious beliefs. Lo Spilingese Social Club membership invites the faithful to join this multi-day event with prayers and masses at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Newark, culminating with a procession and luncheon after the 3:00pm mass on May 18^th to celebrate the Feasts of Modonna della Fontana & Arcangelo San Michele.

May 25: Filitalia Hunterdon Chapter Wine Tasting & Live Jazz; Pennington

Wine and jazz go together perfectly! Hopewell Valley will host this unique event on Sunday, May 25^th brought to you by the Hunterdon Chapter of Filitalia. Sip some great Jersey wine and listen to some awesome jazz from 2:30pm – 5:30pm and learn about this special organization.

June 4: Italian & Irish Night; Belleville

While the Irish and Italian immigrant communities initially had serious issues coexisting, over the decades, the two began to ethnically mesh. Now, the Nutley-Belleville Columbus Parade Committee is sponsoring the Italian Irish Night at Michael’s Roscommon House on Joralemon Street in Belleville. This event takes place on June 4^th and will support the costs associated with production of the Nutley Belleville Columbus Day Parade. The $50 buffet dinner includes all the great Irish and Italian favorites, including beer, wine, and sangria. And what is an Irish Italian event without bagpipers and Italian music! For more information and to purchase a ticket, contact Susan LaMorte at: 201-618-2903.

June 7: Italian Apostolate Pasta Dinner; Lyndhurst

We all know there’s nothing like a Sunday dinner with Nonna. Now, you can enjoy that same special event with friends and family alike. For $25 per person, you can have a great all-you-can-eat dinner at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Center in Lyndhurst on Saturday, June 7th. This is a fundraiser for the Italian Apostolate of the Archdiocese of Newark in order to continue the organization’s good works.

As you can see, there are some fantastic events coming up, and sadly, I am going to miss all of them. However, I hope you can participate in these great cultural events.