NORWICH – St. Bartholomew has been celebrated for a long time – long before a catholic church bearing his name was founded in Norwich in the 1920s.

Legend has it that he was martyred in the 1st century in Armenia while there as a missionary. His remains were then said to have washed ashore onto a small island called Lipari, near Sicily. A religious hero – believed to be a source of protection and miracles – in Lipari thereafter, the tradition of honoring St. Bart was carried to Norwich when natives of the island first immigrated here at the turn of the 20th century.

The deep history is what makes the connection so special, one St. Bart’s parishioner says.

“He’s our patron saint,” said Nick Testani, “and when our ancestors left Lipari, they brought his memory here with them.”

Today marks the Feast of St. Bartholomew. To honor him, St. Bart’s parishioners, some descendants from Liparian immigrants, are hosting a “Feast Day Celebration” from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday at the church pavilion, located behind the Msgr. Festa Parish Center in-between Sheldon and East Main streets.

“The feast has been going on for many years,” said parishioner Jo Ann Testani. “It’s a way to pay our respects to our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents who held St. Bartholomew so dear to their hearts.”

Traditionally celebrated in a carnival type atmosphere worldwide, the feast will feature games, craft booths, 50/50 raffles, cash raffle, a book sale, live music and a host of Italian culinary specialties, such as Pasta Fagioli, sausage and peppers, meatball subs, fried dough and homemade Italian cookies.

Admission is free and open to the public.

Testani said although only part of Norwich’s population is Catholic, the story of the Liparian immigrants is much like the story of all the cultures that helped build the city.

“It’s a joyful event,” she said. “And we want everyone to share in it.”