Our Lady of Grace Festival 'molto bene'

Patriots, PawSox, pasta and people.

Those were just some of the ingredients that made up 89th Annual Our Lady of Grace Feast and Festival last weekend in Johnston.

There was also a variety of excellent eats – from tripe and soffrito to lasagna – to exceptional entertainment that the Roman Catholic Church served during its annual celebration held each and every September in honor of La Madonna della DiFesa.

“Even the French fries are fantastic,” said Tom Ucci, one of the proud parish’s elder statesman who took in Sunday’s happenings with his wife and enjoyed classic camaraderie while sitting with his long-time friends Joe Grasso and Joe Quartino. “You won’t find better homemade food anywhere.”

Perhaps none of the parishioners at OLG – or the 200-plus people who labored for hours upon end to make the 2017 feast and festival another success – enjoyed the fun and food feast as much as Rev. Peter J. Gower, the popular priest who prides himself in bringing people together as one big, happy church family.

“Thank you to all who made our parish festival a great time and a success,” Father Gower said Sunday night. “It was a great time had by all; especially the pastor, who as many of you know has so much fun at the festival.”

Father Gower spent time during the entire four-day festival toasting the countless army of volunteers who, he said “I truly appreciate all the volunteers; we could not have done this without you. I appreciate all of you who came to support the festival to build community.”

This year’s feast, which for the second time in as many years featured a special appearance and autograph session by New England Patriots cheerleaders Julia and Sarah – and Paws and Sox courtesy of the Pawtucket Red Sox – was a huge success due to the tireless efforts of co-chairpersons Joe Quartino and Joanne Burley.

“Joe Q and Joanne organize a fantastic crew that puts in many, many hours of work to organize this huge undertaking and it is greatly appreciated,” Father Gower said. “Most of all, I appreciate the festival volunteers efforts of working many hours during the months leading up to the feast; they take on a huge task which often consumes their free time.”

Last weekend, as Father Gower noted: “All our volunteers placed all things aside and in some cases took days off from their jobs to make this festival a super success; and yet they are often behind the scenes and are not recognized.”