The 99th annual Saints Cosmas and Damian Festival, held Sept. 24 and 25 at the Church of St. Anthony and St. Agnes in Utica, drew faithful from across the Northeast. Father Anthony LaFache, pastor of the church, estimated about 10,000 pilgrims attended the celebration, coming from locations including New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Toronto, Canada.

The weekend’s celebration included Masses in English and Italian, a candlelight procession and traditional Italian music and food. The festival culminated with the Grand Procession on Sept. 25, with devotees marching through the streets of East Utica bearing statues of Ss. Cosmas and Damian, the Blessed Mother and St. Pio of Pietrelcina.

“The faith of the people was beautiful to see. It was overwhelming,” Father LaFache said, commending organizers and attendees for their hard work and devotion. He also noted that organizers are already turning their attention to plans for next year’s festival, which will mark the 100th anniversary of the event.