Carroll Gardens Easter Tradition: Good Friday Procession And Marzipan Lambs

Every Easter, these marzipan lambs appear in the window of Court Street Pastry. I especially like the little Italian and American flags sticking out of the fake grass.
Yes, Carroll Gardens may be changing, but there are still signs that this is an Italian neighborhood.

If you need further proof, you may want to check out the Sacred Hearts/ Saint Stephen Church Good Friday Procession. Here is further information from the parish's web site.

The Procession begins at 7 P.M. from the front of Sacred Hearts and St. Stephen Church (Hicks and Summit Streets) and concludes in the Church for a brief prayer service, in Italian, after winding its way through the crowded streets of the neighborhood.

Italian Catholics from the Tri-State area return home annually to Brooklyn’s oldest Italian Parish, Sacred Hearts & St. Stephen Church, to solemnly process through the streets of Carroll Gardens marking the Holyday of Good Friday. While the area has seen much change since the parish’s founding by Italian immigrants in 1882, this time honored tradition and devotion continues to be a staple of what Carroll Gardens is all about.
This tradition has persevered thanks to the dedicated family and organizations that consider their customs sacred and time honored. Sacred Italian Catholics from the Tri-State area return home annually to Brooklyn’s oldest Italian Parish, Sacred Hearts & St. Stephen Church, to solemnly process through the streets of Carroll Gardens marking the Holy day of Good Friday. While the area has seen much change since the parish’s founding by Italian immigrants in 1882, this time honored tradition and devotion continues to be a staple of what Carroll Gardens is all about.
Sacred Hearts along with the Congrega SS Addolorata have carried the difficult task of preserving their Italian heritage through this and many other services and traditions in the face of an ever changing demographic for the past 125 years. Hearts along with the Congrega SS Addolorata have carried the difficult task of preserving their Italian heritage through this and many other services and traditions in the face of an ever changing demographic for the past 125 years.

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A 1936 Invite To Josephine And Michael's Wedding At Sacred Hearts

Sacred Hearts-St. Stephens today

Josephine and Michael's wedding at Sacred Hearts

292 Court Street

Former Parus Palace

(Now, Amico Day Care Center)

Last week, I had the great pleasure of taking a look at the archives of Sacred Hearts - St. Stephen's Church with John Heyer, the parish historian who has tirelessly worked to collect and preserve the fragile documents pertaining to the oldest Italian parish in Brooklyn.

And what wonderful documentation, not of the church's past, but of the entire South Brooklyn neighborhood. John is an incredible source of information and I was very thankful that he took the time to share this treasure trove with me.

Amongst all the archived papers, there was a lovely wedding photo and invitation. The newlyweds are Josephine and Michael. They got married at St. Stevens on Sunday September 27, 1936. The reception was held at the Parus Palace, 292-294 Court Street (today's Amico Child Care)
Though the Parus was an old movie theatre, John Heyer explained that there was a big open space on the second floor which was used for such celebrations. He also pointed out that it was unusual to have two mothers invite to the event, but Josephine and Michael's fathers had passed away.

I love the fact that the bride's residence is included: 412 Henry Street. And after the wedding?
The happy couple moved to 16 4th Place.

Thanks for sharing, John.

John Heyer is a Special Assistant to Borough President Marty Markowitz and a 39th Council District candidate.

*** Did you know that Sacred Hearts- St. Stephen Parish has its own Facebook page?
To join, click here.

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