The 99th annual Saints Cosmas and Damian Festival, held Sept. 24 and 25 at the Church of St. Anthony and St. Agnes in Utica, drew faithful from across the Northeast. Father Anthony LaFache, pastor of the church, estimated about 10,000 pilgrims attended the celebration, coming from locations including New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Toronto, Canada.

The weekend’s celebration included Masses in English and Italian, a candlelight procession and traditional Italian music and food. The festival culminated with the Grand Procession on Sept. 25, with devotees marching through the streets of East Utica bearing statues of Ss. Cosmas and Damian, the Blessed Mother and St. Pio of Pietrelcina.

“The faith of the people was beautiful to see. It was overwhelming,” Father LaFache said, commending organizers and attendees for their hard work and devotion. He also noted that organizers are already turning their attention to plans for next year’s festival, which will mark the 100th anniversary of the event.

By Sheila O’Connor-Ambrose
Sun contributing writer

What do a Food Network personality, a Vatican consultant and a former model have in common?  They are Catholic, they hunger to speak to women’s hearts and they are the scheduled speakers for the upcoming “Through the Heart” Syracuse Catholic Women’s Conference.

This all-day conference will be held on Saturday, Oct. 29, at the Oncenter in Syracuse. Last year’s conference, the first ever, drew a diverse crowd of nearly 900 women from throughout the diocese for a day of prayer, speakers, music and adoration. With the stalwart support of Bishop Robert Cunningham and the assistance of the Diocesan Women’s Commission — an appointed team of women that focuses on women’s issues — the organizers hope to repeat — and exceed — last year’s extraordinary event.

Enjoy a day of blessing and healing with Father Richard McAlear and Father Amedeo Guida. This day-long retreat will feature two teaching sessions on Healing the Family Tree, followed by a healing service and a Vigil Mass of Healing for the Family Tree.

Father McAlear, a native of Boston, entered the religious order of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in 1960 and was ordained in 1970. In 1972, Father McAlear became involved in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal; he entered into the healing ministry in 1976. His ministry and work have brought him to locations across the U.S., Asia, Africa, South America, Canada, Australia and Europe. Father McAlear has been a member of the Association of Christian Therapists since 1977. Father Amedeo Guida is the Charismatic Liaison for the Diocese of Syracuse and is well-known for his healing ministry and pilgrimages. Ann Walseman will lead the group in praise and worship.

This day of renewal will be held Nov. 5 at St. Cecilia Church in Solvay from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $40 and includes lunch. Deadline for registration is Oct. 24. Call Teresa at (315) 373-0771 or Jan at (315) 484-9497 for more information.