Opening Day of the Feast

The Feast of the Blessed Sacrament commences Thursday, July 30, 2009 with the assembly of the Festeiros (Feast Committee Members) at the intersection of Earle Street and Acushnet Avenue. Led by the Feast President, the Festeiros proceed in a special procession march down to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church (located at the corner of Earle Street and Madeira Avenue) where Father Daniel O. Reis celebrates a special Benediction Mass. The sincere best wishes of the church are then bestowed upon the Festeiros and the Club Madeirense S. S. Sacramento, Inc. organization for hosting the Feast and for contributing to the well being of the entire community. The Festeiros also receive the church’s blessing and are reminded to pay homage to the Feast’s religious origins, which date back to 1915, when the very first Feast was held to honor the Blessed Sacrament for a promise fulfilled. Following the Benediction Mass, the Festeiros march to the memorial area at Madeira Field to honor the original founders of the Feast and initiate the opening ceremonies.