The St. Rosalie Society is devoted to honoring the memory of their beloved St. Rosalie, with a yearly Solemn Mass, Procession and Festival. This young 10th century saint was revered for her life of prayer, self-denial and meditation and is the patroness of Palermo, Italy. The memory of her powerful intercession was kept alive for generations, as she is credited for stopping the plague there in 1625.
Since many older Kenner residents are of Sicilian and Italian descent, it was only natural for them to turn to St. Rosalie in 1899 when an anthrax plague threaten to destroy the cattle and mules essential to their livelihood. A promise was made to honor St. Rosalie if she would stop the plague.
The first procession took place on September 9, 1900, with Rev. Laval, vicar general, in charge of the ceremonies. Since then, each September, hundreds of members of the St. Rosalie Society, parishioners and friends of St. Rosalie march through Kenner's streets carrying banners and a statue of their patroness. Many walk in stocking feet, with a lighted candle in one hand and rosary beads in the other.
Contact: Joe Caldarera (504) 388-7676
