According to my aunt, Zia Rosina, who grew up in Casacalenda in the 1930s, in the Molise region the celebrations for San Nicole, better known in North America as Saint Nicholas (and/or Santa Claus), took place on December 6th. In Italy most Catholics had a favored saint whom they turned to in times of need. Often, they become "devotees" of the saint after some horrific incident where their lives had been miraculously saved. This contributor's paternal grandfather, Michelino Melfi (who was NOT a religious man) became a devotee of San Nicole after he was thrown off his horse and nearly drowned in the Biferno river. Apparently, after praying to San Nicole, a passerby immediately came to his aid. Not only did Michelino Melfi survive unharmed, but so did the money he was carrying to buy livestock at a local animal fair. After this "miracle" took place he ordered his wife to make lots of "panetelle" on Saint Nicole's Feast Day and distribute them to the poor. Apparently, in the 1930s it was the custom for devotees of San Nicole to give "panetelle" (a kind of pannini) to the poor on his name day. Local parish priests would often visit the homes of the San Nicole devotees on the day before the saint's Feast Day and bless the "panetelle" which had been made. In return for services rendered, the priest would receive two or three "panetelle." An assistant, who accompanied the priest, collected the panetelle in a large linen cloth. Some devotees of San Nicole preferred to bring their "panetelle" to church on the saint's Feast Day. At the church the "panetelle" were collected in huge bread baskets. During the Mass the priest blessed the "panetelle." At the end of the church service the blessed "panetelle" were given out to the the needy (Though my aunt did mention that the "rich" often appeared more needy than the poor, taking more "panetelle" than their needy counterparts). This ritualized blessing of "panetelle" was not only done on San Nicole's Feast Day, but on many other feast days, including San Antonio's. The tradition is still alive and well in many parts of Italy. In fact, the parish priest at The Church of All Souls, in Hamilton, Ontario, which my aunt belongs to, also carries out this tradition. At this church the blessing of the bread takes place on the Feast Day of Saint Joseph.... Photo: Mary Melfi.

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