Brooklyn’s first Italian parish unveils plaque dedicated to immigrants
Mayor of Mola, Italy Joins Sesquicentennial Event
Sacred Hearts-St. Stephen’s Church on Summit and Hicks streets was filled with people celebrating their Italian heritage. The parish, marking its Sesquicentennial (150th year), celebrated its history as a center for helping Italian immigrants from the time it was founded in 1866.
“’Dream Anew,’ as did our parents and grandparents upon arriving on our shores,” said Monsignor Guy Massie of Sacred Hearts-St. Stephen’s Church in his homily. He emphasized that hard work and sacrifice is what helped the Italian immigrants of Brooklyn prosper as they built new lives for their families here.
The Van Westerhout Cittadini Molesi Cultural Social Club provided a place where the new Italian community could relax and be accepted. The club was formed 56 years ago, when 14 teens from Mola di Bari decided they needed a center where they could hang out together without being bullied, as the Italian youths whose parents worked the docks were often ostracized.