CLEVELAND — It’s a time to meet, greet and eat, but for those of the Catholic faith, the Feast of the Assumption has a deeper meaning.
Aug. 15 is a holy day, commemorating the day Mary, the mother of Christ, was assumed into heaven, according to Catholic faith.
In Cleveland’s Little Italy, the day is marked with religious services at Holy Rosary Church and processions through the neighborhood, a tradition in its 123rd year.
Descendants of the DeMarco family march down the streets of Little Italy annually during the procession.
“It’s important to our family and our tradition, but most important, it’s to honor our blessed mother,” Victoria Cirino McNamara said.
She said her grandmother helped found the church when it was first built and brought a banner over from Italy in 1936 for their club.
“We ask the blessed mother to keep us safe,” McNamara said.
The banner was handmade by nuns and is now carried by her family during the Feast of the Assumption.
“It’s an honor and an act of penance to carry the banner every year,” said Victoria Fuchs, McNamara’s daughter.
Female family members trade off the lead role and help share some of the weight.
“It’s a little heavy,” Fuchs said. “The poles are brass and the banner is a few layers.”
Fuchs said she can’t help but feel the weight of following in her ancestors’ footsteps when making this march.
“Sometimes, it’s a little overwhelming to also bear the responsibility of keeping the tradition going,” she said. “We all get pretty emotional.”
A candlelight procession is scheduled to take place following the 7 p.m. mass to help close out the four-day festival.
