2006.069.001

Con Vera Fede With True Faith is the 75 year history of the celebration of the three Italian saints, Saint Alfio, Saint Filadelfo and Saint Cirino during an annual festival held in Lawrence, MA and sponsored by the Saint Alfio Society of Lawrence, MA. The three saints were sons of a noble couple, Vitale and Benedicta. IN 250 AD the Emperor of the Roman Empire required all Christians to renounce their faith and worship Roman gods. Failure to obey was penalty by death. Benedicta was martyred and Vitale was able to escape to a monastery. The sons were taken to Messina in 252 AD and after their march through the countryside caused many people to convert to Christianity, were eventually martyred. Their tombs are in Lentini beneath the church of Saint Alfio.
The book is full of photographs from throughout the 75 year history of the celebration, family remembrances, family histories. Saint Alfio Society Headquarters is located on Common Street in Lawrence, MA. The first meeting was held in 1921 and the organization was incorporated in 1922. The membership was not primarily Sicilian but heavily represented by those Sicilians from Trecastagni. Raymond DiFiore is the Vice President of the St. Alfio Society and Stephen N. Zanni is the President of the society.

notes: See OH # 648

publication place: Lawrence, MA