St. Donato Feast Day Celebration – Thursday, August 6, 2026
The Festa Italiana di St. Donato is a deeply cherished tradition in West Philadelphia, serving as a beacon of faith, culture, and community for over a century. Established in 1910 by southern Italian immigrants in the Overbrook neighborhood, St Donato Roman Catholic Church anchors this annual August celebration. The event honors Saint Donatus of Arezzo and brings together generationally rooted families and neighbors for a solemn Mass. Held St Donato's August 7th feast day, the celebration fills the neighborhood near 65th and Callowhill Streets with traditional Italian foods and a shared pride in the Overbrook West Philadelphia's vibrant Italian-Catholic heritage. Under the preservation efforts of the Society of St Frances Cabrini of Philadelphia, the historic church continues to act as a sacred worship site where the enduring spirit of the feast unites past and present generations.
The Feast Day Vigil Mass for St Donato will be celebrated on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the historic St Donato Church, located at 401 North 65th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19151. The Most Reverend Efren Esmilla, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, will serve as the principal celebrant for the Mass. Joining him as concelebrant will be the Reverend Matthew Phelan, O. de M., Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes. All are warmly invited to gather for this evening of prayer, devotion, and unity to celebrate our beloved St Donato.
Join us for a beautiful afternoon of family, community, culture and faith as we celebrate the feast of St Donato.
🍝 Pasta Bar Fundraiser
(3:00 PM – 5:30 PM)
Kick off the festivities with a delicious meal hosted by the Society of St. Frances Cabrini of Philadelphia. Enjoy a custom pasta bar before the evening liturgy begins. All proceeds directly support the repairs, restoration, and preservation of our historic church and its traditions.
Location: St. Frances Cabrini Catholic School
405 North 65th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19151
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
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