Ethnic, Religious Devotion Continues In Hazleton

HAZLETON — Some folks in Luzerne County might have a few less concerns after a religious tradition dating back decades took place over the weekend.

More than a hundred people took part in a procession down Alter Street in Hazleton Sunday afternoon, part of the annual St. Mauro Italian festival.

Members of Queen of Heaven Catholic Church paraded with religious statues, including one of St. Mauro, an Italian saint the pastor says was born 1,500 years ago this year.

Part of the tradition is to pin money on St. Mauro.

“Typically, it’s a sense of giving ones cares and concerns over to the saint for his intercession with a little bit of monetary donation for the support of the church,” said Fr. Anthony Generose. 

Church leaders said the festival has been going on since the 1920s in Hazleton.