104th Feast Mass Livestreams
Statue Unveiling - https://youtube.com/live/-Pv8UdGBJmM?feature=share
Solemn Pontifical Feast Mass - https://youtube.com/live/cxctCt-_FuQ?feature=share
Solemn Pontifical Feast Mass - https://youtube.com/live/cxctCt-_FuQ?feature=share
2025 Feast Information
May 16-18, 2025
104th Feast Schedule
Friday, May 16th (5:00 – 10:00 PM)
5.00 PM -Feast officially opens. Food, Beverages, Entertainment, Amusements
5:00-6:00 PM Band from Melilli
6.00 – 10.00 PM- We3 Trio Band
Saturday, May 17th (12:00-10:00 PM)
12:00- 7:30 -Amusements, Food, Beverages, Entertainment, inflatables
12:00 – 2:00 PM Band from Melilli
5:00 PM-Unveiling of the Statue of Saint Sebastian followed by Solemn Mass with Nuri wardrobe blessing
6:00- 10:00 PM – Downtown 6 Band
Sunday, May 18th (12:00- 8:00 PM)
Food, Beverages, Entertainment, Inflatables
11:00 AM Solemn Pontifical Feast Mass- Main Celebrant: Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy, Bishop of Norwich
12:15 PM Nuri arrival followed by Procession with the Statue of Saint Sebastian accompanied by Sam Vinci band and Melilli Band
1:00 – 7:00 PM Veneration of the Relics of Saint Sebastian
1:30 – 7:30 PM Amusements
2:00 PM Auction on Grand Stage
5:00 PM- Solemn Mass
6:15 PM Raffle Drawing on Grand Stage
After Raffle Drawing Melilli Band will perform until 8:00 PM
5.00 PM -Feast officially opens. Food, Beverages, Entertainment, Amusements
5:00-6:00 PM Band from Melilli
6.00 – 10.00 PM- We3 Trio Band
Saturday, May 17th (12:00-10:00 PM)
12:00- 7:30 -Amusements, Food, Beverages, Entertainment, inflatables
12:00 – 2:00 PM Band from Melilli
5:00 PM-Unveiling of the Statue of Saint Sebastian followed by Solemn Mass with Nuri wardrobe blessing
6:00- 10:00 PM – Downtown 6 Band
Sunday, May 18th (12:00- 8:00 PM)
Food, Beverages, Entertainment, Inflatables
11:00 AM Solemn Pontifical Feast Mass- Main Celebrant: Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy, Bishop of Norwich
12:15 PM Nuri arrival followed by Procession with the Statue of Saint Sebastian accompanied by Sam Vinci band and Melilli Band
1:00 – 7:00 PM Veneration of the Relics of Saint Sebastian
1:30 – 7:30 PM Amusements
2:00 PM Auction on Grand Stage
5:00 PM- Solemn Mass
6:15 PM Raffle Drawing on Grand Stage
After Raffle Drawing Melilli Band will perform until 8:00 PM
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
