The Columbus Day Parade in Jersey City, NJ is an epicenter of Italian culture and heritage every year, and it occurs in one of the most historically Italian neighborhoods in the city.
The Jersey City Columbus Day Parade Committee, in its efforts to spotlight those who have lived out, represent, and keep alive Italian culture in our communities, has chosen Sr. Josephine Galasso, St. Francis Cathedral School Kindergarten Teacher, as an honoree in this year’s parade in Jersey City.
Sr. Josephine, a native of Jersey City before pursuing religious life with the Sisters of St. Lucy Filippini, was awarded the Italian Woman of the Year award by the committee last Thursday night at a dinner at The Fiesta in Woodridge, NJ.
The Jersey City Parade committee shared about Sr. Josephine, “A true woman of faith, service, and strength, Sister Josephine’s dedication to her community and heritage shines brightly. For decades, she has inspired others through her compassion, leadership, and commitment to preserving our traditions for future generations.”
Sr. Josephine, in receiving the honor, shared,
“It was my Italian grandparents who made the decision to move to America and settle in Jersey city. I appreciate the sacrifices they made in coming here, and in my growing up, they instilled in us the traditions and celebrations of Italian culture. In retrospect, it is because of my Italian heritage instilled in me by my grandparents that I was able to find my vocation as a religious sister for the Sisters of St. Lucy Filippini. In God’s plan, the practices of community life in our order reminded me of my very own upbringing with my grandparents who greatly desired to continue passing on our Italian heritage."
Sr. Josephine will be honored and celebrated at this year’s Jersey City Columbus Day Parade on Saturday, Oct 11. The celebration of Italian heritage will step off at 1:00 p.m. from Dickinson High School campus on the corner of Palisade Avenue and march down Newark Ave to the Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza at Jersey Avenue, where the Reviewing Stand will be located. The parade will be held rain or shine.