In the true essence of the Brotherhood of the Holy Spirit and Holy Trinity, parishioners of St. Elizabeth’s Church basked in the glory of this traditional feast last weekend before near record-crowds on church grounds. The three-day event featured time-honored Portuguese and American food, processions, and musical entertainment each evening.

Headlining this year’s event were Mordomos Eduardo and Filomena Pereira, of 62 Collins St., who received the church’s highest honor in leading the celebration.

“I’m very proud,” said Eduardo, who along with his wife, own the Azorean Butcher Shop at the corner of Wood St. and Bay View Ave. Said Filomena, “This is such a great honor for both of us. When COVID first hit in 2020, we were very sad.” The Pereiras were supposed to serve as Modomos that year. But here we are two years later, and they thoroughly enjoyed sharing in this great honor.

Born in Pico da Pedra in the Azores, Eduardo came to this country in 1982. He followed Filomena, also born in Pico da Pedra, who arrived in the U.S.in 1975.

“We love this country,” Filomena gushed, “and we love our parish.”
She also put heavy emphasis on those parishioners who worked diligently to make this year’s event so successful.

“This committee is unbelievable,” she said. “They work so hard.”

Another highlight of the weekend was the Bolo de Leite Parade, a time-honored Portuguese procession where Azorean culture is on display and celebrated.

“It’s like a party in the street,” someone pointed out. “There are costumes and music, livestock and floats, and food and drinks.” It’s quite a spectacle if you’ve never seen it.

Music was provided throughout the course of the weekend, featuring Jose Nazario, DJ Underground, Legacy, and a special scheduled performance by Eduardo Jorge Pereira.

On Sunday, the procession to church started at 9 a.m. from Collins Street to the church, where the feast Mass was held at 10:30, ending with the customary coronation by the Mordomos and the Rev. Jose F. Rocha, interim pastor of St. Elizabeth’s Church. There was also the traditional Holy Ghost soup served in the auditorium with a large crowd in attendance.

Father Rocha said being a part of this lifelong tradition is extremely important to him.

“To celebrate my God is always an uplifting experience for me, especially when I am surrounded by people whose fervor, faith and love are greater than mine,” he explained.

“It happened again last Sunday when we at Saint Elizabeth's Church praised the Blessed Trinity, honoring the third person in such a colorful and majestic way. Our Mass, procession, and tradition were very evident of the love that the Azoreans have for the Holy Spirit. My thanks for all those who prepared them, participated in them, and made them praiseworthy. God bless them all.”