We honor Italian Labor Sacrifice Day Worldwide to remember the sacrifices of Italian workers abroad, who left their homecountry to embark on perilous travels, and faced rough living and working conditions to build a future for their loved ones. August 8th commemorates the Marcinelle Disaster of 1956 in Belgium, where 262 miners, including 136 Italians, tragically lost their lives.

This tragedy echoes the Monongah Disaster in West Virginia, which claimed over 360 lives, including 171 Italian migrants on the morning of December 6th 1907. Beyond the lost lives, entire families were affected, with many women widowed and nearly 500 children left fatherless.

On August 7 and 8, we will gather to honor the Monongah Mine Disaster. Consul General Cristiana Mele will be in attendance, together with other authorities.

On August 7, a blessing will be held by Father Meo at the Widow Memorial at 7 PM, followed by a candle lighting ceremony at sunset around 8:30 PM.

On August 8, a commemoration for the Italian Labor Sacrifice Day Worldwide and the victims of the disaster of Monongah will take place.

We invite everyone to come together to Monongah, to remember and honor those impacted by this tragedy.