by Antonina Zielinska

In the wake of the tragic deaths of over a 100 immigrants off the coast of Italy, the faithful of Italian descent gathered for the 32nd annual Italian Apostolate Day in honor of Our Lady of Pompei. After reciting the Rosary in Italian, the congregation in the Basilica of Regina Pacis, Bensonhurst, recited several Hail Marys for the people who died in search of a better life.

The deaths occurred when a boat carrying as many as 500 people from Africa shipwrecked off the coast on Lampedusa, the closest Italian island from the southern continent. Deacon Vincent M. La Gamba, the coordinator of the Italian Apostolate, said it is especially important for Italians in the U.S. to pray for the souls of those who have died.

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Source: http://thetablet.org/