First Ward

October 13, 2023

Italian Heritage: St. Gerard

If your family was from the Old First Ward of Newark, chances are they attended St. Lucy’s Church on 7th Avenue. And the height of the year for that community was the Feast of St. Gerard. Thousands would come out to pay homage to the Saint, especially those that were trying to get pregnant or… Continue reading

Essex County, Festivals, History, Jersey Icon, New Jersey

Feast of St. Gerard, First Ward, Italian American Heritage Month, New Jersey, Newark, St. Lucy’s Church
May 24, 2022

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… Continue reading

Essex County, New Jersey, Uncategorized

Carvel, Di Paolo, First Ward, Franklin Plaza, Jersey Collective, New Jersey, St. Lucy’s Church, The Belleville Times
December 15, 2021

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. Born in New York,… Continue reading

Essex County, History, Jersey Icon, New Jersey, Non-Profits

First Ward, Monsignor Granato, New Jersey, Newark, St. Lucy’s Church
October 18, 2021

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… Continue reading

Essex County, Exploring, Festivals, History, New Jersey

Feast of St. Gerard, First Ward, Italian American Heritage Month, New Jersey, Newark, St. Lucy’s Church
October 1, 2021

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… Continue reading

Essex County, History, Just Plain Cool, New Jersey

First Ward, Italian American Heritage Month, New Jersey, New Jersey history, Newark, St. Lucy’s Church

First Ward

Italian Heritage: St. Gerard

Can You Go Home Again?

St. Lucy’s Loses a Giant

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

October is Italian Heritage Month