The association did justice to the sense of attachment that so many Calabrian migrants had toward the ancient object of worship: a black crucifix located in the shrine of Terranova Sappo Minulio, in the province of Reggio Calabria.
Many Terranovese both in Italy and Australia were and continue to be deeply devoted.
Legend has it that when, in the 16th century, Saracens found themselves occupying what is now Calabria and opposing the worship of Christianity, they went to the shrine where the crucifix was located with the intention to set it on fire, but a sudden earthquake tremor prevented them from carrying out the misdeed.
Years later, the crucifix was found on a bush by peasants, who immediately took it and brought it to the shrine, where from that moment on it became a true symbol of identity for the people of Terranova, embodying values of resistance and hope. Every year since then, on May 3, the faithful gather at the shrine to honour it.
As was the case for many Italian migrants when they arrived in Australia, devotees from Terranova who were in Sydney expressed a desire to continue paying homage to the crucifix by organising festivals with the traditional Stations of the Cross and procession.
It was because of this great desire to continue the tradition overseas that a replica was commissioned, at the expense of the community of devotees, to be brought to Australia.
The replica was carved in wood by artist Stefano Albano of Oppido Mamertina and took more than seven months to make. Once it was brought to Sydney, the first committee of the association was formed, consisting of Filippo Perri as the first president, Vincenzo Galimi as vice president, Rocco Antico, Dominic Mazzacuva, Domenico Romeo, Vincenzo Romeo, Domenico Ianiello, Rocco Condello, Domenico Cutrupi, John Strati and Antonio Votano.
The fledgling association's first party was organised at the Scalabrini Village in Austral on Feb. 26, 1989, and they remained active ever since, promoting the culture and traditions of the Calabrian town.
Their longevity was thanks in part to the unwavering efforts of Vincenzo and Nicolina Galimi, who have been part of the association since its inception with commitment and dedication, organising activities and events to involve the community.
“One of the reasons why we have decided that it is time to retire is the fact that many members are now deceased, and young people are not too interested in continuing our tradition,” explains Vincenzo.
“Also, the pandemic has inevitably had a negative impact on meeting attendance and membership.
“In short, it's time for us to retire, we have a long history of festivals and other organised events behind us, and we are happy that the crucifix, kept in the Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Mt Pritchard, is still a landmark for the Terranovese in Sydney.”
Undoubtedly, Mr. and Mrs. Galimi's contribution to the Crucifix has enabled many of the faithful to reconnect with their homeland through these religious events, bringing a little bit of Terranova to the hearts of Sydney migrants.
