After being canceled last year because of the coronavirus pandemic, the 122nd annual Feast of the Assumption will return to Holy Rosary Parish in Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood Aug. 12-15.
“With gratitude to God’s providence and for all those who have worked to bring us through the pandemic, which we pray will soon completely end, we remember and pray for all those who have died, lost loved ones or have been affected by COVID-19,” said Father Joseph Previte, pastor of Holy Rosary Parish. “We look forward to celebrating this solemnity and parish tradition in 2021 with a profound sense of gratitude.”
According to city officials, the celebration this year will include appropriate COVID-19 safety protocols, details of which are forthcoming. A joint press release was issued this week by the city and the parish announcing the return of the popular event, which has drawn huge crowds in previous years.
Father Previte said more information about the annual celebration – which normally includes Masses, prayer, the rosary, a procession and a street festival with games, rides and food – will be provided soon. It is a celebration of faith as well as an Italian cultural festival, he said, and a fundraiser for the parish.
“The 122-year-old tradition in Little Italy was and still should be a time for families to gather and share hospitality and teach our young about this important virtue. It is a wonderful time to celebrate our ethnic heritage and tell the stories of our roots and family,” Father Previte said. “It also calls us to respect the ethnic diversity of our city and nation and it should be a time of teaching respect and appreciation for other cultures, races and religious beliefs.”
Mass times and details on other festival components will be shared soon, Father Previte said.
“Mary’s feast reminds us that we are created for the glory of God and to be with God for all eternity. What we do during this celebration must respect the dignity of every human person and our celebration must mirror this reality,” he added.
“For more than 120 years, Holy Rosary Parish’s Feast of the Assumption celebration has been a time for families to come together to honor and commemorate their rich cultural heritage,” said Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson. “This year, we look forward to joining the Little Italy community and our Italian-American residents in celebration of this long-standing tradition.”
“I am extremely excited to join Father Joe, Holy Rosary Parish, the Little Italy community and Italian-Americans throughout the region in bringing back this traditional celebration,” said Ward 6 Councilman Blaine Griffin, whose ward includes Little Italy. “I look forward to having a safe, healthy and enjoyable Feast of the Assumption.”