By Mary Lou Egan
Nearly every Catholic parish holds a bazaar during the summer months to raise money for operating expenses throughout the year.
But the parishes in North Denver and Globeville offer an invitation to share the heritage of their immigrant founders. If you attend any of these celebrations, peek inside these historic churches: the stained glass windows, altars, statues and stations of the cross are a tribute to the devotion of the immigrant founders.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Bazaar
Founded in 1894, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church at 3549 Navajo St., has been the beating heart of the Italian-American community in Denver for 130 years.
Their parish bazaar features music, Italian sausage or meatball sandwiches, hot dogs, roasted corn, beer, wine and sodas. There will be children’s games and Italian crafts, ceramics and merchandise.
Saturday, July 20, 5-10 p.m.
Sunday, July 21, Mass and procession at 2:30 p.m.; bazaar from 4-9 p.m.
To really savor the Italian essence of Mount Carmel, attend the Feast Day Mass at 2:30 p.m. in this stunning church. Then join the procession bearing the statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel through the streets of North Denver.
ourladymountcarmel.com
Potenza Lodge and the Feast of St. Rocco
Societa Nativi di Potenza Basilicata, more commonly known as the Potenza Lodge, was founded in Denver on Oct. 14, 1899, by immigrants from Potenza, Italy. The society helped newcomers find jobs and housing, and provided support to strangers as they adjusted to life in their new environment.
Today, the society is committed to keeping Italian traditions alive with the yearly celebration of the Feast of St. Rocco, a lively commemoration of the patron saint of the city of Potenza.
The festival starts at Potenza Hall, 38th Avenue and Shoshone, with Italian sausage and meatball sandwiches, pizzelles, desserts, beer, wine, games, raffles and music.
Friday, Aug. 16, and Saturday, Aug. 17, 5-10 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 18, Mass at 11 a.m.; festival from 4-9 p.m.
Sunday is the big celebration with the procession. Bidding for the privilege of carrying the statue of St. Rocco begins following the 11 a.m. Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church at 3549 Navajo St. Immediately following the bidding, there will be a procession of the statue and Papal flag through the streets surrounding the church.
Kraljica sv. Roznega Venca, Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish Festival
Holy Rosary Parish at 4688 Pearl St. was founded by Slovenian and Croatian immigrants, and dedicated in 1920. The exquisite windows and statues bear plaques featuring the names of their Slavic donors. As the original ethnic groups moved up the economic ladder, they moved out and a predominantly Hispanic population settled in the neighborhood. Today’s Hispanic parishioners share the working-class background and robust faith of their predecessors.
Sunday, Aug. 18, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Enjoy amazing tacos, flautas, enchiladas, churros, hot dogs, hamburgers, sodas, ice cream, snacks and desserts. In a nod to the Slavic founders, there will be some potica and pizzelles for sale. Games for the kids, entertainment, musical performances, raffles and prizes will keep everyone entertained.
St. Joseph’s Polish Roman Catholic Church
From I-70 you can see the red spire of St. Joseph’s Polish Roman Catholic Church at 517 E. 46th Ave. Since its founding in 1902, the parish has been a bastion of Polish culture, and you can experience it at the Polish Food Festival.
Celebrate all things Polish: Polish craft brews, kiełbasa, potato pancakes, cabbage rolls, pierogi, kraut and Polish pastries. Krakowiacy Polish Dancers will perform traditional Polish dances, and the Amber Band and DJ SKI will provide dance music. Treat yourself to Denver’s best Polish celebration.
Saturday, Aug. 24, noon to 9 p.m.
Sunday Aug. 25, noon to 5 p.m.
facebook.com/polishfoodfestival/
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