Parishioners, families, friends, and the entire community are warmly invited to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary with two special celebrations in Pawcatuck and New London.
These annual celebrations honor Mary's Assumption into Heaven and bring the community together in prayer, worship, and fellowship.
Maria Assunta Society Celebration at St. Michael Church, Pawcatuck
Friday, August 14, 2026
7:00 p.m. – Rosary and Benediction
The celebration begins with the praying of the Rosary followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. After the service, all are invited to enjoy refreshments and fellowship.
Sunday, August 16, 2026
10:00 a.m. – Solemn Mass
The weekend celebration continues with Mass, followed by the traditional Procession of the Statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary through the streets of Pawcatuck, continuing a cherished tradition of faith and devotion.
After the procession, refreshments will be served in St. Michael Church Hall, providing an opportunity for the community to gather and celebrate together.
Feast of the Assumption Celebration in New London/Waterford
Sunday, August 16, 2026
9:30 a.m. – Mass at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, New London
Celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption with Mass followed by a Eucharistic procession to St. Joseph Church, where a blessing of the sick will take place. The Eucharistic procession will then return to St. Mary Star of the Sea Church.
Noon to 3:00 p.m. – Luncheon at St. Paul Church, Waterford
Following the procession, all are invited to continue the celebration with a luncheon at St. Paul Church in Waterford.
Everyone Is Welcome
Whether you are a longtime parishioner or visiting for the first time, all are invited to participate in these joyful celebrations honoring Our Blessed Mother.
We look forward to celebrating this special feast day with you.
St. Michael’s Maria Assunta Society celebrates the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to commemorate when God took her bodily from earth to heaven.
The society originated over 300 years ago with Sicilians from Tusa, an ancient citadel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. A parish church, built in 1736, has a painting on the ceiling of Our Lady’s Assumption into Heaven. Each August, a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Patron Saint of Tusa, leads a procession through the streets of Tusa. Soon after Tusanis emigrated to Pawcatuck, the Maria Assunta Society was formed at St. Michael. The first celebration, recorded by the secretary of the Feast Committee, was in August 1920. In 1935, a statue, carved in Genoa, was shipped from Palermo, Sicily.
The Festa includes a Mass, followed by a procession through the streets with a band playing traditional music, concluding with Benediction. Along the march, people give offerings for favors granted by the Blessed Mother’s intercession. Funds are used to award scholarships to local students and to celebrate Masses for deceased members of the Society. In 1988, the Society donated funds to build a handicap ramp at the front entrance of St. Michael Church.
Maria Assunta members are distinguished by wearing a purple colored velvet neck band holding a gold colored medal, which is inscribed with images of angels and the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Society is open to all men in the parish, regardless of ethnic origins. You no longer need to be from Sicily, or even be Italian. All are encouraged to join.