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Montclair’s Saint Donato Feast

The St. Donato Society, Inc. of Montclair, New Jersey, will be holding their annual Feast in honor of their Patron Saint on June 1st and 2nd.  The Society and Feast originated in Lacedonia, Italy, in the late 19th century and was reborn in the Garden State in 2010 to renew the tradition in Montclair’s 4th Ward neighborhood. St. Donato was the Bishop of Arezzo, Italy, in the early fourth century and was martyred during the persecution of Christians. He is well-known as the Patron Saint of Epilepsy and of mental and nervous disorders.

The Feast begins at 6:30pm on Saturday, June 1st with a Beefsteak Dinner at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 94 Pine Street in Montclair. The dinner includes antipasto, full beefsteak, porchetta, pasta and potatoes, as well as dessert and beverages. There will be raffle prizes and a 50/50. A Frank Sinatra Rat Pack performer will entertain the crowd throughout the evening. Admission is $50 per person which also can be paid at the door. Tickets in advance may be obtained by contacting Danny Arminio, President of the Society, at 973-943-0733 or email to [email protected].

On Sunday, June 2nd, there will a High Mass celebrated at 11:30am to honor St. Donato at the Church, followed by the procession of the statue and Holy Relic of Saint Donato, escorted by the Giglio Band of Brooklyn, New York.