Sept. 17 festival celebrates St. Marianne’s 10th anniversary
By Robert Stronach | Contributing writer
In anticipation of the 10th anniversary of St. Marianne Cope’s canonization (Oct. 21), the Catholic Churches of Greater Utica will celebrate by blessing and lighting two new 12-foot x 12-foot signs on Saturday, Sept. 17. One sign proclaims, “Utica Has A Saint,” while the other displays a portrait of St. Marianne.
Admission is free to the festival-style celebration in the parking lot at St. Joseph and St. Patrick Church, home parish of St. Marianne, 702 Columbia St., Utica. The festivities get underway at 5 p.m., with the blessing and lighting of the signs shortly after twilight at approximately 7:45 p.m.
ENTERTAINMENT: Anthony LaBarbera (emcee & singer); Cassandra Harris-Lockwood (Catholic Christian folk singer); Maureen Griffin (singer/songwriter); Butler-Sheehan Academy of Irish Dance; and La Banda Rossa (traditional Italian pops concert, procession & marching band).
CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES: Face painting and coloring; children 12 and under will receive a copy of “Saint Marianne of Molokai.”
FOOD: Jim Spinella’s Famous Chicken BBQ ($12; purchase tickets in advance/walk-ins welcome) and complimentary dessert courtesy of Café Caruso.
BEVERAGES: Utica Coffee, Saranac soft drinks, bottled water, beer & wine available for purchase.
For more information or to reserve tickets for the barbecue, contact St. Marianne Cope Committee Chair Ellen Benton, OFS, at 315-735-4429, Ext. 5.
