History
Il Nostro Storia
Our History
Immigrants from the Italian town of Atrani in the Salerno Province, south of Naples, who settled in the Wooster Square area in New Haven, founded the Society of Santa Maria Maddalena on May 1, 1898. Named for the patron saint of Atrani, this mutual aid society assisted Atrani immigrants with housing, employment, English translating, and legal matters. Over the years, the society's purpose has become more community oriented, helping any worthwhile cause or individual regardless of ethnic background. It has donated in excess of $124,000 to numerous causes, charities, and organizations, which include St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in New Haven, the Salvation Army, Columbus House (for the homeless), Connecticut Hospice, and Iwo Jima Survivors. The society has also provided scholarships for inner city youths.
The Santa Maria Maddalena Society preserves the traditions, heritage and culture of its members' ancestors, and also maintains ties to Atrani by providing assistance to the Santa Maria Maddalena Church in Italy and the society's Italian sister organization for its annual Festa to Santa Maria Maddalena which coincides with the feast day in Connecticut. During the week of July 22, a replica of the original statue of the saint, which was brought to the United States in 1914, is carried through the streets of Wooster Square. The saint is adorned with jewelry provided by the original members of the society. The feast procession culminates at St. Michael's Catholic Church where a high mass is celebrated. The feast celebration extends for four days with Italian music and food, and on Saturday evening, Neapolitan music is featured.
The holiday is a time for reuniting with friends and providing younger generations with opportunities to learn about their culture. About 45,000 people attended the 100th anniversary celebration of the feast day in 1998, at which time the corners of Wooster and Chestnut streets were renamed Santa Maria Maddalena Corner by the city. The Society of Santa Maria Maddalena is the oldest American fraternal organization in Connecticut.
Paying it forward, Italian style
The Pending Coffee will restore A Little Bit of Your Faith in Humanity !!
"We enter a little coffeehouse with a friend of mine and give our order. While we’re approaching our table two people come in and they go to the counter -
‘Five coffees, please. Two of them for us and three suspended’
They pay for their order, take the two and leave. I ask my friend:
‘What are those ‘suspended’ coffees ?’
‘Wait for it and you will see’
Some more people enter. Two girls ask for one coffee each, pay and go. The next order was for seven coffees and it was made by three lawyers – three for them and four ‘suspended’. While I still wonder what’s the deal with those ‘suspended’ coffees I enjoy the sunny weather and the beautiful view towards the square in front of the café. Suddenly a man dressed in shabby clothes who looks like a beggar comes in through the door and kindly asks
‘Do you have a suspended coffee ?’
It’s simple – people pay in advance for a coffee meant for someone who can not afford a warm beverage. The tradition with the suspended coffees started in Naples, but it has spread all over the world and in some places you can order not only a suspended coffee, but also a sandwich or a whole meal."