From the Friars: Charity on Display

“Going to the Three Saints Feast this weekend?” I asked my friend. “Nah. I’ve got a real problem with that Feast,” he said. “What?” I asked. “Well, all that money, pinned onto those statues. Isn’t that silly, even idolatrous?”

It may seem silly to some of us, but in reality, it is a sign of gratitude to the Saints. Our Shrine Family is made up of a variety of cultural groups with their unique traditions. The Three Saints: Alfio, Filadelfo, and Cirino were martyred for the faith. These brothers were tortured for nine months and died in Sicily in 253.

In addition to the marching bands, fireworks and confetti which we see, it is a beloved Italian custom to give monetary donations in the form of a garland or to pin it directly onto icons or statues. Of course, we must never give credence to superstitious practices that attribute magical powers to statues or appear to be a form of idolatry, yet in the case of the Three Saints, pinning money onto their statues is a unique way of seeing our Catholic Faith come alive.

This custom is a way of asking for prayers or thanking God for favors received through their intercession. Likewise, some cultures pin money to a bride’s dress, as a wedding gift to the couple. Just because we live in the 21st Century and can make donations via an electronic banking format, this does not invalidate past giving practices. Isn’t it the love and devotion (and fun) of the gift giving that counts? Putting Fr. Francis in a “Dunk the Priest Tank” at three balls for $10.00 is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. (Sign me up!) Making generosity fun can be a way of encouraging giving in those who are reluctant to give.

In the end, the money visibly displayed on the statues is used to help the poor and fund scholarships from the St. Alfio’s Society. As Woody Allen once said, “Showing up is 80% of life.”

I hope that you will “show up” this weekend to the Three Saints Feast where love of family, friends, and charity to the poor are on display for all of Lawrence to see.

–Fr. Andrew