Italian feast of SS. Crocifisso to be celebrated in Des Plaines

The 15th annual Italian Feast of SS. Crocifisso, spearheaded by immigrants from the area of Ciminna, a small town outside of Palermo, Sicily, will be held this weekend, June 11-12, on the grounds of Maryville Academy in Des Plaines.

In Italy, the origin of the Catholic feast, which translates as Holy Crucifix, goes back to the 17th century and the church of San Giovanni Battista, which had a wood crucifix in its oratory that due to certain events, was attributed with special powers, and became an object of special veneration.

Testimonies of miracles were given during Masses. To show their devotion and thanks, a procession carrying the SS. Crocifisso throughout town first took place in May 1651.

The faith, devotion and miracles have continued throughout the generations, with people from Ciminna who have immigrated to other parts of the world carrying their devotion with them.

On Dec. 23, 1995, in Chicago, Philip Nigliaccio and his family walked away from a terrible car accident without any injuries.

Nigliaccio then began the crusade to have a replica of the SS. Crocifisso made and to have a procession here as in Ciminna.

Fred Scimeca traveled to Sicily to make an exact reproduction of the image. A non-for-profit organization was formed, and with the help and donations of all the devotees, the first feast was celebrated on June 15, 1997.

The feast is held every year on the second weekend in June to celebrate the miracles people receive from God, and give them a chance to show devotion to God and give Him thanks.

The nonprofit organization is dedicated to promoting and maintaining the religious welfare of the Italian community in Chicago, and donates much of the proceeds from the celebration, which last year drew more than 1,000 people, to Maryville.