The Madonna del Monte Festival, one of the traditions established in 1900 at Most Precious Blood Church, Seybert and Fourth streets, Hazleton, will be celebrated at the parish this weekend, August 7^th, 8^th, and 9^th,2026.

The parish festival is rich with history, pageantry, dignity and, above all, devotion to Mary, the Blessed Mother of Christ.

Throughout the three-day celebration, parishioners will show their love of God, church, and community spirit of family togetherness.

These are the values that have been held since its inception by Donata D’Alessandro, who originated the festival.

D’Alessandro emigrated from the small mountainous region of Anzi, Italy, where the festival was celebrated during her youth. Donata recalled family and friends trekking up the terrain for three days to reach the holy place of the Madonna del Monte. On route they carried candle houses on their shoulders. The candle house provided the light for their way during the night and also furnished a place to store food for the day.

Longing for the celebration that took place in her hometown, this devout woman began a campaign to import the statue of the Madonna del Monte from Italy to Hazleton and present it to Most Precious Blood Church.

The first procession began a long tradition at Most Precious Blood where dedicated members of the church community gather with families and work together to create candle houses (Cinti).

The candle house is designed and adorned with flowers, ribbons, statues, and many decorative items. They symbolize the Ark of the Covenant from the Old Testament and the light of the Word of the New Testament.

This tradition has been celebrated for 127 years. Parishioners gather to celebrate the arrival by gratefully processing the streets of the northeast section of the city.

Candle houses will be carried during the procession, that will be held Sunday following the 10:30AM Mass. Families sponsoring candle houses include:

In memory of the Rev. Maurice Raymond by family; Carlo DeMarco and Ed Harry Jr. families; Michael and Linda DeCosmo and family; D’Amato and Vito families; MPB Folk Group and Paisley family; Capece and Gaydos families; IMO Philip, Connie, and James Montone and Melodie Diehl; LaRose, Greco, and Pacenza families; Michael and Theresa Mussoline and Robert and Marie Rizzo families; the Families of Neil Chirico, Paul Esposito, and Natale Tambasco; in loving memory of the Nicholas & Mariano Families; and Romanelli, Wilner, & Natt Families.

The beautifully ornate candle houses will be on display before the 10:30 Mass on Sunday on Fourth street next to the church.

With the closing last week of Our Lady of Grace Church, the statues of the Saints of the Cilento region have been placed in Most Precious Blood Church to be honored and venerated.

This year’s Procession will celebrate the Saints of The Cilento Region. The attractively adorned floats will display the Statues of Cilento: the original statue of the Madonna del Monte, Saint Mauro, Saint Aniello, and Saint Nazarius.

Along the procession route on Sunday August 9^th,the parish encourages people to view the floats, enthusiastic and prayerful families and friends, candle houses, children carrying an impressive vine-woven rosary, banners, and flags.

      Along the way, a brief rest stop at the Key Club who will furnish soft drinks.

Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament will follow the return of the procession back at the church grotto.

The Madonna del Monte and the Saints of Cilento Festival will be held on the grounds of Most Precious Blood. Friday’s festivities start at 3:00PM and continue until 8:00PM with food sales, tricky trays, adult beverages, cannoli and bake sale, games, and more. Friday’s entertainment includes live musical vocals by Jim Cerminaro from 5 to 7PM. Saturday’s festival hours are from 4:30 to 9:30 PM. The band, Kartune, will provide the musical entertainment from 6 to 9 PM. The public is welcomed to attend. There will be outdoor seating. 

The annual Sunday pasta and meatball dinner will be eat-in and takeout from 11am to 2pm at the church hall. Preorders can be made by calling the Rectory Office (570-454-8714). Walk-ins are welcome. 

The Procession Route

South on Seybert St, east on 2^nd Street, north on Hayes St., east on 8^th St., south on Garfield St., east on Third St., south on Cleveland St., east on 1^st St., north on Monges St., stop at Key Club on 5^th St., and return west on 5^th street to the Church Grotto for Benediction.

Food and Entertainment