David and Patricia Medeiros were proud to continue the legacy of the Feast of the Holy Ghost at their beloved St. Elizabeth Church this past weekend. Steeped deep in the rich tradition of this moving celebration, the couple was honored to carry the title of “Mordomos” this year.

“We love our parish,” said Ms. Medeiros, “and it’s important to continue this great tradition. It’s important to focus on the true meaning of the Holy Ghost.”

Her husband, David, was just as humbled to receive one of the parish’s greatest honors.

“We’re very honored to be this year’s Mordomos,” he said. “The Feast of the Holy Ghost is something I grew up with. I’m hoping the younger generations will get involved.”

The 2016 Holy Ghost Feast at St. Elizabeth Church was held with all the pomp and circumstance befitting such a religious event. According to its storied history, “the Holy Ghost season, or “Altura Do Espirito Santo, has been celebrated in the Azores since the late 15th century. The Holy Ghost celebrations are based on the story of Queen Isabel of Portugal, who loved the poor, and pleaded with God to help her starving people. When two ships laden with cattle and grain miraculously appeared in a Portuguese harbor, the Queen served a banquet to the poor and continued this yearly ceremony as an expression of gratitude to God.”

Also prominent during the course of this three-day celebration was great Portuguese food and entertainment. The Feast began last Friday night on church grounds with plenty of malassadas, chourico & peppers, blade meat, and other tasty Portuguese and American foods. The weather wasn’t that cooperative as rain fell throughout the evening, but that didn’t dampen the spirit of those in attendance, who applauded the talents of local singers and teen heartthrobs Tyler and Ryan Falcoa. DJ Duo Sound also provided entertainment.

The following night, the Bodo de Leite street parade started at DeWolf Avenue and proceeded up Wood Street (many dressed in traditional custom) to the St. Elizabeth Church grounds, where the celebration swung into high gear with entertainment by Marc Dennis, followed by a live animal auction.

On Sunday, the Holy Ghost Procession started from Vets Park on Wood Street, and continued to St. Elizabeth Church for the 10:30 a.m. Mass. Traditional Holy Ghost soup was served in the church hall following Mass, and entertainment in the evening was provided by local singer David Loureiro. The drawing of the 2016 Domingas and Mordomo took place later in the evening.

The Rev. Richard A. Narciso, pastor of St. Elizabeth Church, said this year’s Feast, as in past years, struck a positive chord with everyone.

“Despite the less than ideal weather conditions, many parishioners and friends were once again united together in celebration of the presence and action of the Holy Spirit in our midst,” he said. “Through the enjoyment of various types of food, drink, music, song and dance, the people of God of all ages were gathered together in peace and joy. The highlight of weekend-long celebration was once again the procession to the church for the celebration of Mass during which the faithful were strengthened and nourished by way of the Word of God and the Holy Eucharist. The crowning ceremony that is celebrated at the end of Mass is a ‘sacramental’ reminder that we as baptized children of God are temples of the Holy Spirit, heirs of paradise and that we have the responsibility of allowing the Spirit to work through us so that the Kingdom of God might become an ever-more present reality here on earth.”

Local resident Robin Mason is still fairly new to the St. Elizabeth Holy Ghost Feast, having moved to Bristol from Richmond, Va. seven years ago. But she hasn’t missed a beat.

“I love to observe the Portuguese culture,” she admitted. “It’s wonderful. I’ve come to this Feast every year. I wouldn’t miss it.”

Ms. Mason’s daughter, Jaime Calvino, a mother of two young children, says coming to an event like this has additional benefits.

“I feel that the environment here is safe and fun for the kids,” she noted. “We love it.”