The 2009 feast was as always, remarkable. Apart from the obvious financial success, which was extraordinary and continues to enable us to make generous donations to the St. Joseph's Church, school and the American Cancer Society, the joy of the day was unforgettable. As has become the norm standing room only for the Mass. We had a beautiful, sunny warm day. The size of the crowds waiting for St. Rocco to leave the Church continues to grow.
As usual, they come from the five boroughs, New Jersey, Upstate New York, Long Island, Rhode Island and beyond!

As I sat down to write this short message, so many thoughts about the day came to mind. However, one aspect essentially describes the day, faith. The many people who came to celebrate St. Rocco came with hopes and dreams and their gratitude. There were tears of joy and thanksgiving, very loud and meaningful shouts of VIVA SAN ROCCO! It is this atmosphere of faith and love which characterize the day, both this year and every year.

I announce with great sadness the passage of our beloved treasurer Angela Carnevale. Please see the "Dedication" section of the site website.

Remember to call upon St. Rocco all year long, he will hear you, console you and help you. Secondly, one of the best ways to honor St. Rocco is to bring someone with you to this year's feast, Sunday Aug. 22, 2010.

We are now preparing for our 121^st Feast of St. Rocco to be celebrated on Sunday, Aug. 22, 2010. This is a very special year for us and I encourage members and devotees of St. Rocco to begin to "spread the news" about the feast and "recruit" as many people as you can to join us on this special day.

We have a few "surprises" instore, keep checking our website for exciting news as we get closer to the feast.