Cleveland magazine reported that Holy Rosary Church’s The Feast of the Assumption would be observed again in the city this weekend. It will be on its 123rd year this Aug.12-15, 2022. According to the article, the four-day event will celebrate Italian heritage, Catholicism, and Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood.
Aside from a wide variety of food, there will also be Masses every day, entertainment for the whole family, and live performances from the Italian Band of Cleveland, Primavera Band, Swamp Boogie Band, and many others. There will also be inflatables and games for everyone.
The Feast Weekend
On Friday, the activities will open from 6 p.m. to midnight. Entertainment in Churchyard will be Run Avril Run from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The second day of the event will commence at noontime until midnight. At 1 p.m., GoodFellos will perform in the Churchyard for four hours. At 6:30 p.m., the Holy Rosary Choir and soloists will take the spotlight at the church's front steps as they perform music selections from Vivaldi, Mozart, and Corelli. Nick Costa will also grace the night from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
On Sunday, entertainment by Avanti Band will start from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Swamp Boogie Band will also perform from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The casino will open at the church hall throughout the event, and performers like the Primavera Band and Italian Band of Cleveland will be spotted every night. Local staples like Mama Santas, La Dolce Vita, and Maxi’s will also offer great bites during the feast.
On the feast day on Aug. 15, 2022, there will be a solemn Mass at 10 a.m. with Bishop Edward Malesic and Bishop Michael Woost. Procession through the streets of Little Italy will follow right after.
From 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be a Cavatelli Dinner in the airconditioned Church Hall. It will finally be closed with a candlelight procession on Mayfield Road and a prayer service at 9 p.m. A raffle draw will also take place after the procession.
The rosary is also prayed daily during the feast celebration at 6 p.m. at the outdoor shrine. It is on the Coltman Road side of the host church.
Holy Rosary Church
The Holy Rosary Church in Cleveland was established in 1892 as an Italian parish. Since many Italians came to the United States to seek a better life, the church built a community that caters to these immigrants. It became their source of faith and love, its official website mentioned.
Today, the church has welcomed diversity among its parishioners from different races and walks of life. Many visitors also visit the church to light a candle, celebrate a milestone, or simply observe the architecture and artistry of the building.
The church is accessible as it is situated near the University Circle area.
