Who are the Three Saints?
On May 10th in the year 253 A.D., the Three Brothers were martyred in Lentini. The Romans tied 22-year-old Alfio to a post and tore out his tongue. Filadelfo, 21 years old, was burned upon a gridiron and Cirino, only 19, was thrown into a cauldron of boiling oil.
But the story did not end there. During their lifetime and even after their death, numerous miracles have occurred which are attributed to the intercession of the Three Saints, even today. Since the 1500s, the people of Trecastagni have held a grand Festa each May 10th in honor of the Three Saints who rested in the town named after these three chaste lambs (Tre Casti Agni).
In the early 20th century, Italian immigrants settling in America brought their faith and traditions with them as they embraced a new culture and society. As in many industrial cities, mutual benefit societies were created to help the immigrant family. These societies were often created not only to help their own members but to keep alive the tradition of honoring their patron saint and maintaining a link with their past.
When the first immigrants from Trecastagni and the surrounding towns in Sicily settled in Lawrence, they brought their faith and tradition of the Feast with them. Together, they formed the Società di Mutuo Soccorso SS. MM. Alfio, Filadelfo & Cirino (Society for Mutual Benefit, Saints Alfio, Filadelfo & Cirino). And for over 80 years, the Society has maintained this tradition.
This three-day celebration, which takes place annually on Labor Day Weekend, honors the Saints and helps raise funds for various local charities, scholarships for college-bound students, support of an orphanage and the Society’s numerous volunteer activities and events.
More than anything it is a testament of faith for the three young men who gave their lives over 1,750 years ago and for the Society that remembers it.
Con Vera Fede! (With true faith!) VIVA SANT’ ALFIO!
