Feast of St. Rocco

Societa Nativi di Potenza Basilicata, more commonly known as the Potenza Lodge, was founded in Denver, October 14, 1899. The purpose set forth by the founders of the Society was to help other Italian immigrants from the Basilicata region in southern Italy (Potenza is the capital city of that region) become familiar with America while socializing with their fellow countrymen. They also helped find employment and housing.

Seven years prior to the founding of the Potenza Lodge (1892) the Jesuits Priests in Denver were celebrating the Feast of St. Rocco on the grounds of Regis College in northwest Denver. Saint Roch, a Frenchman, is said to have given up his wealth and traveled to Italy in the 1400's to help the Italian people fight the plague and leprosy. He performed many miracles of healing. His feast day is August 16th. After 40 years of hosting the feast, the Priests turned to the Potenza Lodge and asked members to take over the Festivities. The Lodge agreed, adopted St. Rocco as its patron Saint, and three generations later, the Feast continues.