A Letter From the Pastor

OUR LADY OF PEACE PARISH

AT MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD AND OUR LADY 0F GRACE CHURCI IES

131 E 4th St. Hazleton PA 18201

Rev. Anthony J. Generose, Pastor

July 15, 2025

My Dear Friends,

On August 8, 9 and 10, 2025, the 126th Madonna del Monte Festival at Most Precious Blood Church embarks on a new adventure under the patronage of Our Lady of Peace. To mark the occasion, we will celebrate the saints of the Cilento Region: Saint Aniello, Saint Mauro, Madonna del Monte and Saint Nazarius with spiritual observances from August 1 through August 10. On August 10 our regularly scheduled Mass at 10:30 a.m. will be followed by the procession honoring the Statues of Cilento. Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament will be offered in Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto following the procession.

We are offering tricky trays, September calendar lottery, and a grotto candle sale. We will have live entertainment both Friday and Saturday. On Friday, August 8, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:oo p.m. we will have Tricky Tray sales and games for adults and children. Our festival food includes pasta fagioli, haluski, meatball subs, fried dough, cannoli, potato pancakes, steak and cheese, porketta sandwiches and pierogis. Bake sale items include pizzelles, biscotti and other delicious baked goods both nights. On Saturday, Aug. 9, from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., the Tricky Tray sale, food, musical entertainment and festivities will continue.

 Sunday, Aug. 10, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. we will offer the traditional full-course Pasta and Meatball Dinner; paid pre-orders for take-out, walk-ins are welcome, and the church hall will be available for those that like to sit down, eat and visit with friends and family.

This is the largest fundraising event of the year for our parish. I ask everyone to participate in any way you can:

Your $25 donation toward sponsorship will help defray food costs and other expenses needed to make this festival a success. Purchase lottery tickets, bring your family and friends to enjoy amazing festival food, children's games and so much more on Friday and Saturday, and the delicious pasta dinner on Sunday.

For your convenience we have included your Madonna del Monte envelope in your August church envelopes.

Show your support by participating in any one of these activities and make our fundraising event a success!

The commemorative inscriptions will be published in the bulletin for the festival weekend.

Thank you for your support in time, treasure and talent for Our Lady of Peace Parish.

God bless you,

Rev. Anthony Generose, Pastor

AJG:mcm

Food and Entertainment