A DECADES-OLD COAL REGION CELEBRATION CONTINUED TODAY. Click LIKE & join us in saluting everyone that make the annual Shower of Roses & Festival of St. Therese of Lisieux in the New Columbus section of Nesquehoning a successful event every October. During the depths of the Depression in October 1932, Father Agnello Angelini launched a coal region tradition that would endure for over 80 years. Folks from hundreds of miles away would make the pilgrimage by car & by bus to New Columbus to attend the Feast of St. Therese of Lisieux. Prior to 1975, the Rose Queen would arrive by helicopter after hundreds of roses were dropped. Its been said many would climb up on rooftops to retrieve the pretty petals. Due to liability & insurance concerns, the Rose Queen no longer has a helicopter ride. During 1 past celebration Msgr. Angelini arranged for a flyover of Naval Jets from the Willow Grove base. A focal point of the celebration & throughout the year is the Grotto of St. Therese pictured below. It took New Columbus coal miner Placidio Guido LaRizzio 4 years to construct this monument. It was completed in 1945 to honor all those who fought, served, & gave their lives during World War 2. LaRizzio passed away 4 years later in 1949. After the Diocese of Allentown opted to merge all Nesquehoning parishes into 1 congregation, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel parishioners waged a valiant fight & took their case to the Vatican. Thanks to their determination & perseverance, a coal region religious fixture has been saved & a wonderful early October tradition continues. If this is the 1st time youve seen a COAL REGION CONNECTIONS post--scroll down our page, view our old photos, & enjoy more great memories. Thanks for your LIKES, SHARES, & COMMENTS. Please check this page every 2-3 days because Facebook does not include ALL posts in news feeds.
Posted on: Sun, 05 Oct 2014 23:36:35 +0000