Pannese Society crowns statue of patron saint during special ceremony

New gold crowns were placed on the statue of “La Madonna Del Bosco” and a special blessing was given during a celebration Mass at Our Lady of Grace Church in Johnston on Sunday, June 1

The two gold crowns were a result of the work of the Pannese Society. Formed in 1909, the group brings together people whose ancestors came from the Italian town of Panni in Italy’s Foggia province. The society has a total membership of between 40 and 50 men and women who work to keep their heritage alive.

The statue – which depicts the society’s patron saint – originally came to Rhode Island from Panni, Italy, in the early 1900s. It was later found in a garage and in need of refurbishing. Eventually, it found a home at the Johnston church.

Last year, when the mayor of Panni visited Johnston, he learned of the statue and pledged to have new gold crowns made for the Madonna and child. The crowns were made, blessed during a special Mass in Panni and then sent to Johnston, where they were celebrated and blessed at Our Lady of Grace.

In return, a memorial plaque, a small wooden statue and an embroidery depicting Madonna and child were made here and are being sent to Panni.

After the Mass, there was a dinner celebration at the Rosario Society in Providence. More than 100 people attended, incuding state Sen. Frank Ciccone and state Rep. John Carnevale, both of Providence.