News and Events ~ November 2010

San Vincenzo Feast

The October 24th celebration of the Feast of San Vincenzo at St. Joseph’s Church in Manhattan was highlighted by the unveiling of the restored 109 year-old statue.

 The restoration work was completed only three days before the Feast.  The most visible changes were the addition of drapery that covers the bare brick wall behind the statue and the saint’s turquoise cape. Extensive research of San Vincenzo in Craco was done in order to match fabrics and colors. 

The statue of San Vincenzo at St. Joseph’s Church now is as close a match to the original as is possible bearing in mind that the two pieces are separated by many years and many miles.

Restored—the photograph above displays the restored statue of San Vincenzo. The most visible items are the background drapery covering the brick wall and the new turquoise cape.

As in the past, this year’s Feast of San Vincenzo, was marked by several amazing occurrences.   In September, the Society was contacted by Carlo Lombardi Muzio, about a prayer written by his great-grandfather titled, “A San Vincenzo Martire, Versi di Giovanni Curcio.”  The research into this unknown work disclosed that it was produced in the very early 1900s, most likely in conjunction with the Crachese mutual aid organization, the Societá S. Vincenzo Martire di Craco. There is little doubt that Giovanni Curcio presented this at the feasts that were celebrated during his lifetime.  Interestingly, the organ that would have provided the music years ago at St. Joachim’s Church was moved to St. Joseph’s Church, along with the statue of San Vincenzo.  

Besides publishing a brochure with this newly discovered prayer, the Society also produced a pamphlet, “The Story of the Statue of San Vincenzo Martire of Craco Italy at St. Joseph’s Church…” which provides visitors to the church a brief history of the saint and the statue.  

At the Mass, Fr. Ed Zogby and Stephen LaRocca shared a meaningful message about the celebration of San Vincenzo.

After the Mass, participants met at Il Cortile Restaurant in Little Italy to enjoy a fantastic feast of food. When Carlo Muzio and his brother Ted sat down at the restaurant and introduced themselves, another amazing occurrence took place. Dr. Frank Lunati, who was at their table, had brought photographs from the 1940’s to share with other attendees. On hearing their name he proceeded to show them their Lombardi grandparents who were tenants at his family home. What was the happenstance that guided Dr. Lunati to bring those particular photographs and then direct the Muzio brothers to that table?

  With next year marking the 110^th anniversary of the statue and the 5th Annual Crachesi del Nord America Reunion, the Craco Society is announcing that it will hold both events concurrently—mark your calendars and watch for the details.  

Crafty Cracotans

by Elexa Camperlengo Bancroft

If you haven’t already noticed, the world of homemade crafts is making a huge comeback. The bookshelves at your local stores are filled with do it yourself projects and crafty idea books. Etsy.com and other websites that allow you to set up shop and sell homemade goods are popping up everywhere.

I started card making as a therapeutic and fun activity for myself this summer and now I have created a small internet, business that I call Lexicon of Love, (www.elexa.webs.com) offering handmade cards and original art. I also reach customers through Facebook (http://shophomemade.com/lexiconoflove).

You can’t find anyone “craftier” than a Cracotan and other Cracotans that have jumped aboard this creative train.  One crafty Cracotan is Kristi Camberlango-Haslam of American Fork, Utah who’s Wire Wrapped Designs ships her homemade jewelry all across the country.                     (http://www.wirewrapdesigns.webs.com)

“Crafting is one of my favorite hobbies. I love to make vintage looking crafts. I starting making wire wrapped rings with old vintage buttons and it has turned into a great little business,” says Kristi.

Cracotan Isabella Pirretti Pause, who owned a vintage shop in Albany, NY, moved to Etsy.com to continue selling her vintage collectables called Isabels Vintage. On her site, you can find treasures galore from antiqued jewelry, home décor and more.

“I love visiting flea market and antique shows. Etsy.com allows me to purchase what I like, keep it a little while and then sell it. Etsy has a great vintage community. Everyone is willing to help and ducate,” says Isabella.  Her items are truly a touch of class from history to add to your house.

As the holidays approach I invite you to visit our websites, and if you see something you like, support our crafty Cracotans by bringing a homemade/vintage item to your home.