Hundreds of fishing vessels once lined the seaport of Gloucester years ago during the fishing industries prime.  Gloucester’s Fishing fleet was comprised of dozens of family owned day boats and several offshore “larger boats,” that fished the oceans for several consecutive days, and or weeks. It was customary for fishing related businesses and vessels to supported the deep rooted Sicilian Feasts throughout our city each year. The booming industry funneled money directly back into our community in many ways.  A a child raised in a Sicilian family with direct ties to both the fishing industry, and the feasts of St. Joseph and St. Peter I experienced the strong connections and presences each had with one another. Years ago there were over 38 St. Joseph altars throughout the city of Gloucester. Each altar was draped and surrounded by gifts of fresh floral arrangements, sent by the families who owned fish processing plants, and fishing vessels from the Gloucester fishing fleet. Often the arrangements were accompanied by gifts of fresh fish for the celebratory feast day and gifts of money to help the hosting families with the enormous cost assumed with the nine day novena. A few days ago as I was placing beautiful floral bouquets that had been sent from family and friends in front of our altar I found myself reflecting back to my childhood days in front of the altar of my Aunt Vinci and uncle mike Militello, on School Street. Their altar was always beautifully lit with candles and lined with a sea of flowers.  I’m sure everyone who experienced the beauty of the gorgeous ornate altars years ago, remember looking for their families bouquet among the sea of floral arrangements in front of the altars of St. Joseph, St. Anthony, and St. Peter and the strong floral fragrance that filling the air around the altar’s.  Â
With deep gratitude I thank my Aunts Eleanor Curcuru, and Gina Ciaramitaro and their families, for the gorgeous matching floral bouquets framing this years altar and to friends Frank and Barbara Ciolino for the stunning arrangement of Red Roses. The flowers smell heavenly and adorn the altar beautifully. I’m truly blessed to have the love and support of so many people. Thank you all for everything you do to help me continue our families St. Joseph Tradition. Â
Viva San Giuseppe!
This year we decide to display our families’ Oar carried in the St. Peter’s Fiesta Parade in remembrance of my Paternal Grandfather’s Fishing Vessel
“The Benjamin C”
Good Morning Gloucester 