On Sunday, August 13, the parishioners of Saint Joseph of the Holy Family in Harlem held its annual procession to celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The festivities were led by the Francophone parishioners, who celebrated with singing, prayer, and liturgical dancing, following Sunday Mass, which was celebrated by His Excellency, Bishop Edmund Whalen. The Mass was concelebrated by Fr. Joseph Kinda, administrator; Father Livinus Torty, parochial vicar, and Fr. Gervais Lewis. The procession took place around 125th street through Morningside Ave. followed by food and fellowship.

This day of festivities was preceded by a novena to the blessed Mother, where many from the parish gathered to pray the Rosary in anticipation before Assumption. The day of procession and festivities resembles those celebrated on the Solemnity of Assumption in Burkina Faso, a tradition that has carried over to Harlem.