2026 Feast Information
TBA
Photo Courtesy: Sebastian Rafala
Feast History
In 1921, a committee formed by Italian Catholics inaugurated an initiative to commemorate the Feast of Saint Sebastian. Concomitantly, committees were established to mobilize essential financial resources for the event, encompassing the orchestration of two parading bands through Italian Quarters, the celebration of the St. Sebastian Mass at Saint John Church, an auction sale, a band concert, and a spectacular fireworks display.
East Court Street, identified as Middletown's Italian commercial hub, witnessed a significant development in 1925. A proposal emerged to establish a quasi-chapel within a vacant store on East Court Street, housing a statue of Saint Sebastian. This marked a pivotal point as devout individuals engaged in the expression of their reverence for the saint, contributing monetary offerings in gratitude for bestowed blessings. Notably, these donations were regularly dispatched to the Festa di San Sebastiano in Melilli.
The inception of this practice was perceived as a divine communication from Saint Sebastian himself, signifying a desire for the establishment of a Church in Middletown akin to the basilica in Melilli. Subsequently, since its inception in 1921, the Feast of Saint Sebastian has been an annual tradition, perpetuated with unwavering continuity each passing year.
East Court Street, identified as Middletown's Italian commercial hub, witnessed a significant development in 1925. A proposal emerged to establish a quasi-chapel within a vacant store on East Court Street, housing a statue of Saint Sebastian. This marked a pivotal point as devout individuals engaged in the expression of their reverence for the saint, contributing monetary offerings in gratitude for bestowed blessings. Notably, these donations were regularly dispatched to the Festa di San Sebastiano in Melilli.
The inception of this practice was perceived as a divine communication from Saint Sebastian himself, signifying a desire for the establishment of a Church in Middletown akin to the basilica in Melilli. Subsequently, since its inception in 1921, the Feast of Saint Sebastian has been an annual tradition, perpetuated with unwavering continuity each passing year.
Photo Credit: The Middletown Press/Hearst Media
