It’s a feast and festival that’s been going on for decades at Our Lady of Grace Church in Johnston. It’s considered one of Rhode Island’s best end-of-summer events, especially when it comes to home cooked Italian foods, Don DePetrillo’s delicious doughboys, family fun and those always-popular carnival rides and games of chance.

It’s a Rite of September at the Roman Catholic Church, a classic celebration held each year in honor of La Madonna della DiFesa. In keeping with tradition, the 2017 edition will be presented by the parish’s proud parishioners – some 200 people plus, in fact – who Rev. Peter J. Gower says “enjoy grilling sausage and pepper sandwiches and serving everything from pasta to pastries over a four-day stretch and really love making people happy."