[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4799]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE SOCIETY OF SANTA MARIA MADDALENA SOCIETY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 16, 2012

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me the greatest pleasure to rise 
today to extend my deepest thanks and appreciation to the Society of 
Santa Maria Maddalena of New Haven--the oldest American fraternal 
organization in Connecticut--for their many invaluable contributions to 
our community.
  Located in Wooster Square, the neighborhood in New Haven where I grew 
up, the Society of Maria Maddalena has played an important role in 
forging the strong bonds of our community. Founded in 1898 by 
immigrants from the town of Atrani in the Salerno Province, south of 
Naples, Italy, the Society of Maria Maddalena has been a resource for 
neighborhood families for generations. Named for the patron saint of 
Atrani, the Society of Maria Maddalena was originally established to 
assist fellow Atrani immigrants with housing, employment, English 
translating, and legal matters. It was a place where families faced 
with the many challenges of starting a new life in a new country could 
turn for support, comfort, and friendship. Over the years, the 
Society's purpose has become more community oriented, helping any 
worthwhile cause or individual regardless of ethnic background. It has 
donated tens of thousands of dollars to numerous charities and 
organizations in New Haven and across the State. St. Michael's Church 
in New Haven, the Salvation Army, Columbus House, Connecticut Hospice, 
and Iwo Jima Survivors are just a few of those organizations who have 
benefitted from their generosity. The Society has also provided 
scholarships to inner city youths.
  The Santa Maria Maddalena Society preserves the traditions, heritage 
and culture of its members' ancestors, and also maintains ties to 
Atrani by providing assistance to the Santa Maria Maddalena Church in 
Italy and the society's Italian sister organization for its annual 
Festa to Santa Maria Maddalena which coincides with the feast day in 
Connecticut. During the week of July 22, a replica of the original 
statue of the saint, which was brought to the United States in 1914, is 
carried through the streets of Wooster Square. The saint is adorned 
with jewelry provided by the original members of the society. The feast 
procession culminates at St. Michael's Catholic Church where a high 
mass is celebrated. The feast celebration extends for four days with 
Italian music and food, and on Saturday evening, Neapolitan music is 
featured. The holiday is a time for reuniting with friends and 
providing younger generations with opportunities to learn about their 
culture.
  People across the country struggle to create a sense of community--a 
sense of belonging. Over the course of its one hundred-fourteen-year 
history, the Society of Maria Maddalena has helped the families of 
Wooster Square do just that. For their many invaluable contributions as 
well as their continued support and friendship, I am proud to stand 
today to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the members, past 
and present, of the Society of Maria Maddalena. The bonds of community 
that the Society has helped to shape will continue to impact 
generations to come.

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