Category: Bulletins and Newsletters

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin March 26, 2023

by Terrie Evans

Our San Antonio Church Community thanks all those from the College of Mt. Saint Joseph, the Sisters of Charity and the Mater Dei Chapel who made us all feel very welcome on Friday evening March 24^th for the showing of “At The End of The Santa Fe Trail”.  The private showing, taken from the journals of Sr. Blandina she penned to her natural sister, Sr. Justina Segale (1846-1929).  The 1 ½ hour film written and directed by Tomas Sanchez and staring Alma Sisneros as Sr. Blandina was a true testament to her life’s work.  Tomas Sanchez along with some of his crew from New Mexico had visited San Antonio Church in the past few years doing research of her life among the Italian Community in the Little Italy of South Fairmount after she returned from the Southwest.  Our parishioners had read Sr. Blandina’s journal of her Missionary work from Colorado and New Mexico and were thrilled to be able to see her story at the private showing before its release.   We really   appreciate Sr. Veronica Buchanan, Archivist from the Sisters of Charity for reaching out to our church and inviting our parishioners for the event.  Our parishioners were honored to be included in this special showing and for being part of the long process for the canonization of Sr. Blandina Segale, Servant of God.  We all knew of the good works and the years Sr. Blandina, Sr. Justina and Sr. Euphrasia so willing gave to the Immigrant Italian population and to all those newly arrived families who needed direction.  Her journals told the history of our country and how everyone played an important and vital part in the growth of our nation.     

The three Sisters of Charity taught our ancestors many things especially how to keep their Catholic Faith, the religion they brought with them from the old country.  She taught them how to acclimate in their new home country and the tools needed to achieve their American dream while keeping their traditions alive.   San Antonio Church celebrated 100 years in 2022 and we will never forget the dedication of the Sisters of Charity who served us especially Sr. Blandina Segale, Servant of God who we invoke every week at our Rosary and Communion Service on Tuesdays and who we pray to every Sunday at our 9:00 A.M. Mass.  We thank them and ask for their intercession to help those who are sick, suffering and for our church. She became a mentor and guide for our church and the many generations of San Antonio Church that followed.       

            When San Antonio Italian Church was founded in 1922, families from South Fairmount dedicated themselves to the future of their newly established house of worship.  Our parishioners have continued to volunteer as the many generations of our families did in the past.  We come together every Sunday to attend Mass in our now historical church building, please remember there is always a need for workers to keep our church on the corner of Queen City and White Streets in the best form possible.  All of us are blessed with special gifts and talents to share much as our grandparents, parents and the German and Italian families of South Fairmount had over the years.   As we see many new families attending our church, we invite you to join our community of service to work with us and to keep San Antonio Church open for the next chapter in our history.  Since we have only one Mass on Sundays and the Communion Service on Tuesdays these are the only two times every week that the church is open.  

Consider volunteer on Sunday as a Lector or being a Distributor for Communion.  On Tuesdays we always welcome help with the Communion Service.  We always need a roster of parishioners for Funerals, Baptisms and Weddings to aid those family members who are using our church for these events.  On the 2^nd and 4^th Tuesdays we hold our popular Lunch on the House for those guests who enjoy a home cooked meal made by the men and women of our parish.  Our kitchen crew prepares, serves and then get the Hall ready for Sunday before locking up.  Please consider helping whenever you can as we count on each other to keep our church open.  Please see Terrie Evans or Rita Miller for questions about volunteering in the Church and for Hall information please see Dave Sabatelli.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin March 19, 2023

by Terrie Evans

On this 4^th Sunday in Lent, we recognize Laetare Sunday, 21 days before Easter Sunday and the halfway point of Lent.  Laetare in Latin means “rejoice” to encourage us that our time of sacrifice is nearing an end and we will soon experience the great joy of Easter Sunday.  In the churches history, this day was known as the Sunday of Five Loaves, recalling the miracle of the loaves and fishes.  Laetare Sunday   is also referred to as Mothering Sunday, a day for all Christians to visit their mother church, the place in which they received the Sacrament of Baptism.  On this Sunday, servants were released from service to attend church also called Refreshment Sunday, or Rose Sunday for the use of rose-colored vestments that are permitted and used on this day along with flowers being allowed on the altar.  On Laetare Sunday at the Station Church in Rome, Pope Francis will honor Catholic Sovereigns by bestowing them with a blessed Gold Rose in honor of their service to the Catholic Church. 

The Golden Rose is blessed by Popes and given as an award to churches and shrines throughout the world.   On March 25,  1419, Pope Martin V bestowed a Golden Rose composed of a branch with 9 roses with a sapphire at the center to the City of Florence where he celebrated a solemn Mass at the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella.  The Golden Rose is also given to men, women and one married couple (In 1452 to Frederick Holy Roman Emperor and Empress Eleonora)  as well as to states.  Pope Urban created the Golden Rose during his Pontificate which began in 1088 and has been given to Godly Rulers since 1096 and to churches, Our Lady of Lourdes in France, Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal and in Mexico, Our Lady of Guadalupe.  After the Mass, the Golden Rose is carried in a procession to the Sacristy where it will stay until presented to some worthy personage.  

Also on this Sunday, in South Bend, Indiana, the University of Notre Dame will bestow the Laetare Medal to this year’s recipient.  It is given to American Catholics or a group of Catholics who have illustrated the ideals of the church while enriching the heritage of humanity.  A candidate for this prestigious award must be a practicing American Catholic who by their profession or intellectual life has made a distinctive Catholic Contributions.  Potential recipients are named by the faculty and staff at the university with 2 or 3 Candidates from the original pool will be voted on by the Officers of the University. The Laetare Medal first awarded in 1883 is the oldest and most prestigious award given to American Catholics. 

On Monday, March 19^th we honor the feast day of Saint Joseph (Festa de San Giuseppe) which is a major holiday in Italy for the much-revered saint who is the husband of the Virgin Mary and the legal father of Jesus Christ.  Traditional events taking place will be a parade led by the Holy family: Mary, Joseph and Jesus portrayed by townspeople who will then be guests of honor at the banquet held in St. Joseph’s honor.  March 19^th is also Father’s Day in the Catholic Countries of Spain, Portugal and Italy and is the name day for those christened Josephine or Joseph and for religious institutes, schools,  parishes bearing his name.  Saint Joseph is recognized throughout Canada where he is the Patron Saint of their Country.  There is the legend that Saint Joseph interceded to relieve the famine in Sicily.  During the Middle Ages there was a severe draught and many faithful prayed to their Patron saint to bring them rain and when it did come, a banquet was prepared in thanksgiving. 

At that time, the fava bean crop was the one staple that saved the residents from starvation and to this day fava beans are used as part of this tradition on his feast day   for their tables and altars which has spread throughout the United States in the 1800’s.  The Saint Joseph’s Day altar is made into three sections to represent the 3 persons of the Trinity with a statue of the saint, flowers, limes, candles, wine, fava beans, cakes, breads, cookies and zeppoles and to represent Saint Joseph being a carpenter, foods containing breadcrumbs representing (dust) will also be shared to those in need on Saint Joseph’s Day.  Saint Joseph is considered the Guardian of the Spiritual Home and is the Patron Saint of the dying.  On his own death, Saint Joseph died with Jesus and Mary by his side the way most of us would prefer to leave this earth surrounded by loved ones.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin March 12, 2023

by Terrie Evans

Our San Antonio Church Community is invited for a special screening of “The End of the Santa Fe Trail” to be shown at the Mater Dei Chapel at the College of Mount St. Joseph on Friday, March 24^th.  The movie is about the life of Sr. Blandina Segale, Servant of God,  taken from her original journals which are a collection of her writings she did throughout her service to others.   In 2007 on the 85^th Anniversary of San Antonio Church, and before the dedication of the   Memorial Brick Garden,  Sr. Victoria Marie Forde from the at the Motherhouse   invited Rita Miller, Linda Kelsey and Terrie Evans to research her journals.  Those handwritten entries told us of the long days she spent serving those lovingly and with respect who called upon her for help.  Sr. Blandina’s journals were republished in 2014 after the Most Reverend Michael J. Sheehan, Archbishop of Santa Fe along with Allen Sanchez officially opened the Cause of Beatification and Canonization of “The Servant of God” Sr. Blandina.  The Congregation of the Cause of Saints at the Vatican gave permission to open the cause,  the first time in the 400-year history of Catholicism in New Mexico. 

The Archdiocese proceeded to start an inquiry into the dedication and holiness of a woman religious who had worked to change the history of the Southwest.  Many interviews were held to state the good works of Sr. Blandina in Trinidad, Colorado, in New Mexico and in Cincinnati.  In 2015, the Archdiocese of Santa Fe Inquiry Board presented the Acts of the Diocesan Inquiry of the Heroic Virtues of the Servant of God,  Sister Blandina Segale after a group of parishioners from San Antonio Church, Joe Cupito, Terrie Evans, Buddy La Rosa, the late Don Moore and Vic Minella met at the Archdiocese of Cincinnati’s Offices to be interviewed for this process.   Sr. Blandina helped establish St. Joseph Hospital In Albuquerque, New Mexico and a few years later, started the Santa Maria Settlement House and the St. Anthony Welfare Center which became the start of our church in 1922. 

The Sisters of Charity in Delhi have always kept us informed about recent news of Sr. Blandina and we shared with them the dedication she and Sr. Justina had to our grandparents, parents and the many neighborhood families who settled in the small community of Little Italy.  They taught our ancestors so much and gave them the tools to establish their own place to worship in so they would not lose their Catholic Faith.   Sr. Blandina (1850-1941) along with Sr. Justina (1846-1929) and the Segale family lived through their own journey to a better life as they too were part of the influx of Italian immigrants who knew what it was like to settle in an unfamiliar place. 

Sr. Blandina was born in Cicagna, Italy on January 23, 1850 to Father, Francesco and Mother Giovanna (Malatesta) Segale who came to the United States in 1854 with their 5 children.  Francesco became a fruit merchant with a small stand that eventually became a produce store.  Sr. Blandina (Maria Rosa Segale) attended schools conducted by the sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and the Sisters of Mercy and then attended and graduated from Mount St. Vincent Academy where she met the Sisters of Charity.  Maria Rosa  (Sr. Blandina) saw the good   works of the Sisters of Charity as they tended to orphans and as nurses during the Civil War.  In 1866 when Maria Rosa was 16, she joined the Community of the Sisters of Charity on September 13, 1866 with her sister Maria Maddalena, Sr. Justina joining her the same year with both living the motto of the Sisters of Charity “The Charity of Christ urges Us.” In 1872, Sr. Blandina was sent to Trinidad, Colorado (The Sr. Blandina Wellness Garden with a life size statue of her likeness was dedicated July 18, 2021) where she taught school and became a staunch defender of the Native American and Mexican community.  By 1877, she took charge of many causes, raising money to support St. Vincent Hospital working with those desperate individuals even   making coffins for them and securing their final resting place.     

Four years later, she continued her work in Albuquerque, New Mexico where Sr. Blandina continued teaching, built convents, new schools, and a homeless shelter, The Wayfair House.  She would return to Trinidad and Pueblo, Colorado before returning to Ohio in 1893 working with her older sibling, Sr. Justina “To see if they could do anything for the poor Italian immigrants”.  In 1897, they founded the Santa Maria Institute one of the 1st Catholic Settlement Houses in the United States that offered many services to give aid to those desperate individuals with   Sister Justina saying,  “ There is so much to do and slender means to do it”.  In 1900, Sr. Blandina returned to Albuquerque to help build St. Joseph Hospital now known as Catholic Health Initiative for children in need of early childhood services.  In 1922, after devoting many years within the Italian Community in South Fairmount, Sisters Blandina (Maria Rosa ) Segale, Justina (Maria Maddalena) Segale along with Sister Euphrasia( Mary Ann) Hartman established a small storefront church for those immigrant Italians to call their own, San Antonio Italian Church.   

The dedicated Sisters of Charity were concerned for these families with a language barrier would not be able to practice their Catholic Faith.   They kept a watchful eye on the new contingent of these now proud new American citizens as they learned the language, acclimated and prospered while caring for their new church.  In 1931, after her successful work in Cincinnati, Sr. Blandina was on her way to Rome, Italy for the journey funded by her students to petition the Pope in the cause for Sainthood of Mother Elizabeth Seton and to re visit the town of her birth Cicagna (On July 11, 1998, the town square would be dedicated to her), seventy-seven years later.  In 1933 at the age of 83, Sr. Blandina retired to the Sisters of Charity Motherhouse as she stayed connected with her Segale,  Becker and Stagge Families and her many friends.  She also received visits from San Antonio Church Parishioners who relayed news of the neighborhood and the construction of the New San Antonio Italian Church to be dedicated on Sunday, December 1, 1940.   Sadly, Sr. Blandina could not be with all those very grateful families on that milestone day although, they said a quiet prayer of thanksgiving in her honor.  

Even though Sr. Blandina Segale passed on February 23, 1941, she is still with all of us guiding us on our journey at San Antonio Church, Generations later we will never forget Sr. Blandina (1850-1941) Sr. Justina (1846-1929), or Sr.. Euphrasia 1887-1969).  Please join all of us from San Antonio Church for the special showing of  “At The End of The Santa Fe Trail “on Friday evening March 24^th at 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:00PM).  For tickets www.purplepass,com/sisterblandina.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin March 5, 2023

by Terrie Evans

On this 2^nd of Lent, we extend many thanks to all those dedicated men and women from San Antonio Church, all their families and friends   who gave up their time to make the first fundraiser event of 2023 our annual Pizza Party a success.  Our kitchen crew, bakers and the staff who handled all the orders and covered the drive thru, we thank you.  One of those crewmembers, Vic Minella handled the many tasks to get this Saturday, March 4^th   event completed for the benefit of San Antonio Church.  Vic, his wife Marilyn and their family members have volunteered and done the many jobs our grandparents before us have done to keep our church going.  Every Sunday before our 9:00 AM Mass and on all Lunch on the House Tuesday’s Vic and Marilyn were the first to arrive and the last to leave.  After he retired, and on the urging of his cousin Richard “Mussie” Minella, Vic would go on to use his managerial skills to align our volunteers in an orderly way for the benefit our church.  He became the liaison within our Parish Family working with Fr. Jim Kiffmeyer, Fr.  Len Wenke, and our new pastor, Fr. Rudy at Holy Family Parish.  Vic and Marylin returned in 2007 to San Antonio Church and to the old neighborhood of Vic Minella’s Grandparents, Giovanni Pasquale Raffaele (1877-1963) and Philomena (Perrone) Minella (1881-1974). 

His grandparents were born and married in Felitto, Italy in 1899 before arriving in America around 1902 with their first born, Vic’s father Victor “Vito” Minella Sr. ( 1899-1985).  After their arrival, they settled in Old Forge, Pennsylvania where jobs were available to work in the mines and it was there that they became Naturalized citizens.  After settling in Cincinnati, Giovanni Pasquale Raffaele and Philomena Minella welcomed siblings Vic’s Aunts and Uncles, Anna (Minella) Augustine (1904-1992), Sabato “Sam” Minella (1906-1946), Mathilda Lea (Minella) Zompero-Macaluso, Antoinette May “Nay Nay”(Minella) Lee (1911-1997), Therese (Minella) Frye (1912-1997), Rose Marie (Minella) Dattilo (1915-2014), Catherine “Kate” Minella (1918-2011, and Herman “Hermie” Minella (1920-1993). 

The large Minella Family was part of the group of Italian immigrants who settled in the Little Italy section of South Fairmount at 1985 Queen City Avenue close to the Schiavo family at 1990 Queen City.  The Esposito Family at 1994 Queen City Avenue and the Panaro Family at 1998 Queen City Avenue.  These family members along with other residents of the Upper and Lower Lick Run sections of “ Little Italy”  came together with Sr. Blandina,  Sr. Justina, and Sr.  Euphrasia to help start our early church, work the first Festivals, Spaghetti Dinners, and years later be involved with the Monte Carlo Nights along with the many Fish Frys that united all these families to keep San Antonio Church alive.   

Vic’s Aunts, Anna, Kate, Mathilda, Nay Nay and Rose were dedicated parishioners who attended Mass and celebrated many milestones, meetings and events that made San Antonio unique.  Vic’s father, Victor “Vito” Minella Sr. (1899-1985) the oldest Minella Sibling served in the United Sates Army during WWI while his younger brothers Herman and Sabato “Sam” Minella would help their parents support the church.  After serving in the Army Air Corps, Vic’s father Victor Minella Sr. wed Loretta (Fisher) Minella (1907-1976) and welcome daughters Mary Margaret (Minella) Mills (1926-1964), Delores Minella (1928-1929 lost in infancy), Phyllis R. (Minella) Clyde (1931-2012), Geraldine M. (Minella)) Gilligan (1939-2019), Cheryl Willenborg, and the youngest Victor Minella Jr.  Our dedicated parishioner and volunteer, Vic Minella Jr. would marry his high school sweetheart Marilyn Schuster on August 29,1959 when he was a mechanic and she worked as a stenographer.

They celebrated 64 years as a married couple in 2023 with their children Vic III, Lynn, Barb (who was here many Sundays as a lecture when needed), and Janet (who lives in Florida) along with their families have continued to offer support and volunteer for fundraisers at San Antonio Church, especially during our 100^th Anniversary year in 2022.  We appreciate their efforts for always being available to us when needed.   We will never forget the Minella Family for always carrying on the tradition, dedication, and mission of our church for the last 16 years.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin February 26, 2023

by Terrie Evans

On February 26, 2023, this 1^st Sunday in Lent, we welcome members from the Flowers, Florimonte, Benevengo, Combs, Cerchio Minella and Stanghetti Families back to San Antonio Church to mourn and remember their matriarch, Nancy Jean (Florimonte) Flowers who passed away on February 3, 2023 on the Feast of St. Blaise at the age of 74.  Nancy Rose Flowers (Nee Florimonte) was the daughter of the late Michael (Michele) Joseph Florimonte (1922-1975) and Mary Grace (Benevengo) Florimonte (1925-1987) both born in Italy; married in 1947 after he served in the Army in World War II.  They both came from large families and were proud of their Italian Heritage.  On her father Michael’s side Nancy was close with his siblings, her Aunts and Uncles, Louise, Lena, Antoinette, Anna Marie, Angelo, Anthony, and Joseph.  Nancy had many cousins from the Florimonte, Cerchio, Minella Di Stasi, Nese, Odenbach, Sprecker and Volpe families with many relatives still living in Italy.  Nancy’s Grandparents, her father Michael parents were Giuseppe (Joseph) Florimonte (1900-1961) and Rosaria Maria (Minella) Florimonte (1900-1971) who were married on April 7, 1921 in Felitto, Italy arrived in New York on July 28, 1922 then settled in Akron, Ohio where their 1^st child Louise (1929-1988) was born. 

Nancy’s Great Grandparents on the Florimonte side were Michele Florimonte (1848-1929) and 1^st wife Maria Carmela( Nese) Florimonte (1847-1880) married on February 20, 1871 and welcomed 2 children before she died after 9 years of marriage.  Michele wed 2^nd wife,  Luigia  (Di Stasi ) Florimonte (1860-1949) and would add 9 children to their family as they lived their whole lives in Italy and are buried there. 

Nancy’s Great Great Grandparents were Nicola Florimonte (1811-1853) and Anna (Minella) Florimonte who married on January 16, 1836 in Italy and had 2 children before he died at the age of 42.  They are all buried in Felitto, Italy.  Her Great Great Great Grandparents were Francantonio Florimonte and Giuseppa (Volpe) Florimonte who welcomed 3 children Carmela (1806-1852), Gaetana Vincenza Florimonte born in 1810, and Nicola Florimonte (1811-1853) in Felitto, Italy.

Nancy’s mother, Mary Grace Benevengo Florimonte’s parents and her grandparents were John Benevengo (1888-1969) who came to the U.S. through Boston, Massachusetts in 1914 at the age of 26 and Jeanette (Cirrone) Benevengo (1891-1968) who arrived from Italy earlier in 1912 and lived in Boston, Massachusetts with parents Louis and Rose (Recchia) Cirrone.  John Benevengo and Jeanette Cirrone were married in Pennsylvania in 1923. The Benevengo Uncles and Aunts:  Frank, Louis, John,, Margaret, Jean, and Rose with Nancy sharing many cousins from the Bamonte, Inman and Kleinger Families. 

Nancy (Florimonte) Flowers grew up with many ties to South Fairmount along with her late sister Patricia Jean (Florimonte) Stanghetti (1950-2020) and brother Michael Florimonte.   Nancy wed James (Jim) Flowers in October of 1968 at San Antonio Church with her sister Pat Florimonte as her Maid of Honor.  In May of 1972, Nancy (Florimonte) Flowers witnessed her sister Patty’s wedding to James (Jim) Stanghetti also at San Antonio Church.   Before her passing, Nancy and Jim Flowers celebrated 54 years as a loving couple who spent many memorable vacations with their family.  They welcomed 4 children, 3 sons and 1 daughter during those happily married years and joyfully celebrated their 4 family weddings of Jim to Lisa, Chris to Laura, Kelly to Dave and Matt to Erin.  Nancy was thrilled when grandchildren entered their family and was proud of all their accomplishments as she saw them grow and flourish as they approached adulthood.    

Nancy’s Grandchildren: Jordan Flowers, Jack (Ignas Karaliunas) Flowers, Faith (Luke) Jett, Benjamin Flowers, Emily Flowers, Luke Flowers, Samantha Flowers and the youngest Perry Combs who enjoyed the many memorable times she spent with her beloved Granny.  Nancy also leaves her brother Mike, sister-in-law Susan, and their family; brother-in-law, Jim Stanghetti and her late sister Pat and their family, and cousin Vince and Jean Cerchio and their family.  Our San Antonio Church Community sends their condolences and prayers on the loss of Nancy Jean (Florimonte) Flowers (1948-2023).

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin February 19, 2023

by Terrie Evans

On this 7^th Sunday of Ordinary Time, we anticipate the start of Lent on Wednesday, February 22^nd.    At one time, the day before Ash Wednesday, Shrove Tuesday, many would set aside this day to confess their sins in the Sacrament of Penance as a prelude to the Lenten Discipline.  Shrove is derived from the word shrive meaning to absolve as in the Sacrament of Confession.  In many cultures, the day before the start of Lent known as Fat Tuesday is commemorated with carnival celebrations held as a last opportunity for partying before Lent begins.  It is customary to fast on Ash Wednesday with only a simple meal usually without meat. The practice of fasting has a strong biblical base with Jesus choosing to fast for 40 days and 40 nights for His own spiritual preparation.  On Shrove Tuesday, some Christians make a decision on what will be omitted during this fasting season as they pray for strength to keep their sacrifice during the next 40 days.  Some Christians see this time to volunteer their time for worthwhile causes or donate monies to needs in their communities.  The United Methodist Church refers to one’s Lenten sacrifice that “On each Lord’s Day in Lent while the Lenten Fast Continues, the reverent spirit of Lent is tempered with Joyful anticipation of the Resurrection”. 

Lent is the time in this Liturgical Season of fasting, prayer and almsgiving as well as giving up luxuries to recall Jesus Christ’s sacrifice during his journey into the desert for 40 days in anticipation of Easter.  The number 40 has many Biblical References:  Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai with God.  Elijah spent 40 days and nights walking to Mount Horeb.  God sent 40 days and nights of rain in the great flood of Noah.  The Hebrew people wandered 40 years in the dessert while traveling to the Promised Land.  Jonah’s Prophecy of judgement gave 40 days to the city of Nineveh in which to repent or be destroyed.  When Jesus retreated into the wilderness.  He fasted for 40 days and was tempted by the devil but by citing scripture he overcame the devils temptations according to the Gospels of Matthew.  According to the traditional belief that Jesus lay for 40 hours in the tomb led to the 40 hours of fasting leading up to Easter in the Early Church. 

On Wednesday, we will have a 12:00 noon Mass at San Antonio Church with the distribution of Ashes.  Fr. Jim Meade has agreed to open the Lenten Liturgical Season with us as this is his first visit to our church so, please be on time.   The Christian tradition of distributing ashes uses the remains of burnt palm branches left over from Palm Sunday which are blessed and used to mark the foreheads of the faithful on the first day of Lent (Ash Wednesday), as a reminder of mortality and as a penitential sign of turning away from sin.  

San Antonio Church will hold its first major fundraiser for 2023 on Saturday, March 4, 2023.  This event is sponsored by the Men’s and Ladies Sodality with Carry Out and Dine in Service.  Carry Out Service will be offered from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM and the Dine In with the “All You Can Eat Pizza” starts at 5:30 PM and runs to 9:00 PM and is limited to 125 people.   The Dine In Pizza Evening will cost $15.00 per person.   The price for carry Out Orders depends on the choice of your Pizza Order.  

There will be quite a selection of gourmet pizzas and also dessert to top off your meal.  The following selection of 8 delicious pizzas will be served:  Ladies of the Lot, Traditional Cheese, Pepperoni Lovers, Anchovy, Veggie Lovers, Sweet Dessert and Savory Dessert Pizza.  There will be Carry Out order forms and Dine In reservation forms in our Hall after our 9: 00 AM Mass every Sunday.  For more information or for any questions you might have regarding the Saturday, March 4^th event, please contact Dave Sabatelli at 513-405-6444.  

On Sunday, February 26^th, San Antonio Church will welcome the Flowers, Florimonte and Cerchio Families as they gather to mourn the loss of Nancy (Florimonte) Flowers at our 9:00 AM Mass.  Nancy (Florimonte) Flowers came from the large Florimonte Family who lived in South Fairmount’s  “Little Italy”  at 2165 Queen City Avenue in the early years of the church’s history.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin February 12, 2023

by Terrie Evans

On this 6^th Sunday of Ordinary Time, we honor a longtime parishioner who passed away on February 14, 2021 on the 2^nd Anniversary of her death.    The parishioners at San Antonio Church owe a debt of gratitude to Jo Ann Metz for all the networking she did during her lifetime to keep our church open and relevant in the community.  Jo Ann Metz (1931-2021) was born and raised in South Fairmount at 2003 Queen City Avenue across the street from the Panaro and Esposito families.  Her parents were Frank (1893-1965) a well-liked Mail Carrier working at the Price Hill Station covering rural Route #4 who would later work with the Post Office to locate the steering wheel on the passenger side for easier mail delivery.  Jo Ann’s mom, Mary Herdeman Metz (1893-1972) was a volunteer at St. Joseph’s Orphanage when she was President of the Welfare Society, St. Bonaventure’s and later became the President of the St. Ann’s Married Ladies Sodality at San Antonio Church.  Jo Ann attended St. Bonaventure School with Sisters Carol, Rosemary, and Mary Jane and their many friends from the old neighborhood.  When Jo Ann was in the 6^th Grade, she participated in a city-wide essay competition in 1941 for Girls Week.  It was open to all grade schoolgirls whose hobbies were music, art, or poetry to compete in one of these fields of interest with Jo Ann winning an award for her essay on Cartooning.  After Graduation from St. Bonaventure’s School, she went on to St. Xavier Commercial High School and graduated as one of 114 Girls to receive her Diploma in May 1945.  

Jo Ann wed Victor Jelen, an engineer and welcomed Andrew, Peter and Jean to their family.  She would continue her education working towards her law degree while serving as President of the Oak Hills School Board.  During that time, Andrew was stationed in the Army, Peter was at West Point and Jean (Metz) Zurface was an active-duty officer in the Army.  Andrew became a Quality Engineer for his company, Encompass International while Peter would serve in a Special Forces Unit in the Army and Jean would receive her Law Degree and serve as a JAG Officer.  Those years were busy for Jo Ann, and it was also an uncertain time for churches and the future of St. Bonaventure and San Antonio Church.  Jo Ann knew the parishioners would need advice and she would use her skills to address the congregation at San Antonio Church on what the best plan would be to insure the church’s future.  Jo Ann and her team of Joe Cupito and Jim Schulter worked toward the future goals for the church and never gave up the fight.  We will never forget Jo Ann and everything she did to keep our church open while including   San Antonio parishioners, past and present in her plans.   

After we dedicated our Brick Memorial Garden in 2008, Jo Ann started working with MSD and the South Fairmount Improvement Association for plans that would benefit of our church.  She attended every meeting, workshop and commission forum to give her input on new improvements near the church.  She even bought properties around the perimeter of the church hoping to change the dynamics of Lick Run.  Everyone she knew respected Jo Ann and sought her advice whether it was from city leaders or residents from the neighborhood.  She found a new mountain to conquer when she bought land in Indiana and was in the process of building a house when she passed away on Valentines’ Day, February 14, 2021.  She leaves her son Peter, daughter Jean and her beloved Granddaughter, Kali Alyssa Jelen now a lawyer at a firm in California and niece, Barb Espsoito Illaqua.    Preceding her in death, son Andrew in 2009, her sister Carol (Metz) Williams-Hase (1932-1995), Mary Jane (Metz) Shaw (1922-2017), Rosemary (Metz) Esposito (1927-2018).  We will never forget her as we honor Jo Ann Metz on this Sunday, February 12^th on the 2^nd Anniversary of her passing. 

This Sunday, we also remember our good friend, Victoria “Vicky” (Beckman) Currin who passed away on February 1, 2023 at the age of 65.  Vicky became a regular at our 9:00 AM Mass along with her husband Terry who always supported our fundraisers and events.  Vicky’s mom Josephine “JoAnn” (Macaluso) Beckman (1933-2009) was a longtime parishioner and benefactor along with Vicky’s Great Grandparents, Raffaele (1877-1963) and Philomena (Perrone) Minella (1881-1974),  Grandparents Philip (1907-2000) and Matilda Lea (Minella) Macaluso (1909-1981) and Aunt Dorothy “Dottie” (Macaluso) Williams (1929-2019).  Vicky’s brother Steve and wife Jeanette Beckman have continued their families tradition to dedicate time for the good of our church with Steve volunteering at every Lunch on the House in our Hall.   We have missed seeing Vicky and Terry at our Mass on Sunday, but we will never forget the beautiful wedding of her daughter Melissa to Bobby Corso held at San Antonio Church a few years ago. 

Vicky leaves many family connections from our church who have known her for many years and will miss her terribly.  She was the beloved wife of Terry, Mother of Doug (Allison) Jones, Danielle (Kevin) Ohms, Melissa (Bobby) Corso, Amy (Malcolm) Berry, Brian (Natalie) Currin, Brett (Leigh) Currin.  Vicky’s Grandchildren, Kayla, Nate, Sami, Xander, Maia, Brenan, Jack, Caden, Gemma, Henry, Alistair, and Luca.  Vicky also leaves her Aunt Phyliss (Macaluso) Seger many cousins,  nieces, nephews from the Macaluso, Beckman, Jones , Minella, Seger Families and her good friends and cousins Jeffrey Williams and Stephanie Curd.   Her Funeral Mass was held at St. Dominic Church on Tuesday, February 7, 2023.  Please keep all her family members and friends in your prayers as they grieve the loss of Vicky (Beckman) Currin at this most difficult time.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin February 5, 2023

by Terrie Evans

Our San Antonio Church Community is heartbroken on the loss of our Guardian Angels and Staunch Supporter, Deanne (Dee) Marie Gardonio (1958-2023) who passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2023.  With Frank at her side, Dee kept her faith as we held them in our thoughts and invoked many special prayer intentions during the time, they could not be with us.    Dee was born in Cincinnati, grew up in St. Bernard, and went on to join the medical profession by becoming a much-respected Nurse.  Later she changed her career path by becoming a Medical Equipment Sales Rep covering many states, sometimes driving 1,500 miles in a single week meeting with Doctors and Hospital Teams.   She was called on at times to deliver much needed equipment on short notice as she covered her large area.  At one time,  Dee drove to West Virginia for the much-needed medical supplies that had to be delivered in an emergency situation.  Her colleagues and clients knew Dee as a very accomplished woman in the tough profession of medical sales requiring excellent networking skills.

We all met Deanne “Dee” when she came to San Antonio Church with the Ladies from The La Societa Femminile Fuscaldese for their breakfast.  After we received their beautiful likeness of San Francesco, we learned the importance of the saint and the crown, Charity (Charitas) that Frank Perrotta handcrafted.  Frank and Dee made the pilgrimage to Paola, Italy where they chose to visit and honor San Francesco de Paola, a Saint they both revered.  Deanne (Dee) not only attended our 9:00 AM Sunday Mass but was active in all things San Antonio and always let others know to call on her whenever she was needed.  She was present for all the events in our Hall and the casseroles and homemade coffee cakes she delivered for all our Father’s Day Breakfasts were the best.   Dee would never hesitate to offer her baking skills for the Spaghetti Dinners, Lunch on the House Tuesdays, or the Pizza Party and on many Sundays, she would bake “a little something”  for our priests to take home to enjoy.  We all remember her spirit of giving when she would drive someone to a medical procedure or check on one of our parishioners who might need a little TLC after surgery. 

Dee was known to make “house calls” to fit a device on a patient as she did for friends, Frank and Rita (De Toma) Scigliulo.  Dee was very important to all of us, and we will never forget her classic style of dress at Sunday Mass or the traditional Easter Bonnets she wore every year.  Dee left us way too soon; the memories of all she was will never leave us.   All the parishioners have really missed Dee at Mass and in the Hall every Sunday, but we feel very blessed to have known her over these past years. We will continue to pray for Frank Perrotta, his Sons, Umberto (Stepheny), Sergio, Aldo (Rebecca), Marcello  (Katryna) and Grandchildren Niko, Cyntina ,Christiano and Reina who Dee loved dearly and was thrilled when Grandchildren were born into their family.  

We will also pray for Dee’s mother Dolores (Leigh) Walker, Sisters and their Spouses: Denise & Tom Sebastiano, Lisa & Mike Clyde, Lori & David DeMoss, and her Brothers and their Wives:  Michael & Nancy Gardonio and Brian & Daycy Walker and their families.  Her father, Thomas Gardonio, Stepfather Emmanuel Lanier Walker (1932-2014), Sister, Gayle Ann Dunbar (1960-2020) and Uncle Raymond Leigh (1931-2013) proceeded her.  Deanne (Dee) Gardonio’s funeral Mass was held at San Antonio Church on the Feast of St. Blaise with Fr. Mike Savino officiating on one of the saddest days in the history of our church.  Please keep Frank Perrotta, the Gardonio , Walker and the Leigh Family members as they mourn the loss of their beloved Dee.   

We also lost another Friend of San Antonio Church when Judge Jon Sieve died suddenly on January 19, 2023.  Jon and Cheryl (O’Leary) Sieve have attended our events over the years and Jon was a longtime supporter of The Mussie Men’s Fest held every April in our Hall.  The Sieve’s have many connections with our parishioners especially with their best friends Dan and Melissa (Morrissey) Minella and their son Christiaan and his wife Andrea .  Judge Sieve served on the Hamilton County Court of Domestic Relations for two terms becoming an advocate for all families going through difficult times.  His funeral Mass was held at the Mater Dei Chapel at Mt. Saint Joseph on Saturday January 28^th.  Please keep the Sieve, Hendon and Deters families and their friends in all your prayers at this difficult time.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin January 29, 2023

by Terrie Evans

Our parish community will honor and celebrate the feast day of St. Blaise on this Sunday although his actual feast day is Friday, February 3^rd.  We will have a blessing this morning with two crossed candles to invoke the intercession of St. Blaise for maladies of the throat.   The priest will then say: “Through the intercession of Saint Blaise, Bishop and Martyr, may God deliver you from every disease of the throat and from every other illness”.  St. Blaise is considered one of the most popular Medieval Saints that is venerated as a Christian Saint and martyr in the Catholic, Eastern, and Oriental Orthodox Churches along with those who are faithful and part of the Anglican Communion Community.  

St. Blaise was born in Sebastea (Armenia) and had been a doctor before becoming a priest.  He was then elected Bishop by the citizens of Sebastea, now present-day Sivas, Turkey.  He became known as a healer of bodily ailments with many faithful flocking to him for cures of all their ills, of the body and spirit.  Before his death in 316 AD, St. Blaise became known for performing a miracle on a very sick child who was dying of suffocation from a fish bone being lodged in his throat.  After placing his hands on the throat of the child and praying over him, the small child was healed.  The first reference to St. Blaise was in the Medical journals of   Aetius of Amida (Greek Christian Physician) around 500 A.D. where St. Blaise is invoked in treating objects stuck in the throat.   Around 400 years after his death, the Acts of St. Blaise of the miracles attributed to him were written; adding to his popularity throughout France and Germany.  Many churches all over the globe have added the Blessing of the Throats near or on his feast day. 

St. Blaise is also known as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers who are a group of Saints venerated by Roman Catholic Christians to interceded against various diseases. These Saints were invoked for almost every aspect of different illnesses that could affect one’s life.   This group of Saints, referred to as Nothelfer or “Helpers in Need“ originated in Germany around the 14^th Century when the epidemic known as the Black Death (1346-1353) was running rampant throughout Europe.  The 14 Holy Helpers who were called upon to cure many ailments are:  St. Agathius ( May 7^th),  St. Barbara ( December 4^th), St. Blaise( February 3^rd),  Catherine of Alexandria ( November 25^th), St. Christopher ( July 25^th), St. Cyriacus ( August 8^th),  St. Denis ( October 9^th), St. Erasmus ( June 2^nd),  St. Eustace ( September 20^th), St. George ( April 23^rd), St. Giles, ( September 1^st) St. Margaret of Antioch ( July 17^th),  St. Pantaleon ( July 27^th), St. Vitus ( June 15^th).   The Black Death started a new wave of piety manifested in the sponsorship of religious works of art.  The figurines of St. Blaise and the thirteen other Holy Helpers are displayed in the Chapel in Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany and are still seen as healers for various diseases.   

There are various churches dedicated to St. Blaise all over the world as in Germany, the former Abbey of St. Blasius in the Black Forest and in Great Britain in the town of St. Blazey located in Cornwall, where a parish is also dedicated to him.   In Croatia, Saint Blaise (Sveti Blaz) is the Patron Saint of the City of Dubrovnik where many festivities are scheduled on his feast day.   In Sao Bras, Goa India, St. Blaise Church was built by Croatian sailors in 1541, a replica like the one in their home city of Dubrovnik.  There are relics of St.  Blaise in churches and chapels throughout Europe and Italy where he is known as San Biagio, where the remains of St. Blaise were shipwrecked off the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea in 732 during the reign of Emperor Leo the Isaurian.  They are now interred on Monte San Biagio at the Basilica, high above the town of Maratea (the town of 44 Churches) in the Province of Potenza.  In 1963, there was a 21-meter-high statue of the Christ the Savior built of pure Carrara marble on the mountain dedicated to St. Blaise that rises 68 feet above the town.   

There is also a statue of St. Blaise (San Biagio) on a spire of the Duomo of Milan, the Cathedral of Milan that was started in 1389 and took 6 Centuries to complete.  In Milan, the tradition of saving a slice of the yearly Saint Blaise Panettone, which is never eaten completely during the holidays, is always eaten on the Feast Day of St. Blaise.   In some parts of Italy, volunteer bakers still practice the yearly ritual of preparing the Panicelle for the saints feast day.  Volunteer bakers gather to work the dough into the holy loaves in the form of a blessing hand.  They start the process on January 31^st baking baskets of the blessed Panicelle that will be given to the faithful and the children in their church community to protect them in devotion to St. Blaise.  In the region of Campania, locals travel to the Shrine dedicated to San Biagio to show respect and to invoke his help with the special prayers recited for someone they know who needs a special intention.