Who is Saint Ubaldo?

JESSUP, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The annual race of the Saints is this Saturday in Lackawanna County. It’s a unique celebration that only takes place in Jessup and Gubbio, Italy to honor Saint Ubaldo Baldassini but, why?

Saint Ubaldo is the Patron Saint of the City of Gubbio because of his heroism. During the race of the saints, wearing the color yellow represents Saint Ubaldo Baldassini.

“The Festa Dei Ceri is in honor of the Patron Saint of Gubbio Saint Ubaldo,” said Tom Fiorelli Saint Ubaldo participant from Jessup.

According to tradition Saint Ubaldo was the Bishop of Gubbio during a time when a barbarian named Fredrick the first Barbarossa attacked Italian cities.

“He set up an encampment outside the city of Gubbio, the townspeople of course were very concerned about this, and Ubaldo, the bishop, went to meet with Barbarossa,” says Fiorelli.

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Ubaldo had one request, he wanted Barbarossa to spare Gubbio.

“The townspeople fearing something very bad happened to Ubaldo, were very concerned, and when he came back it was widely accepted that he saved the city of Gubbio and that’s considered one of his miracles,” explained Fiorelli.

A miracle that has been celebrated ever since in both Gubbio Italy and here in Jessup.

“It’s a very rich cultural celebration, it’s a regionalized cultural celebration. It’s really a great honor to participate along with the other members of the other families to carry on the tradition the best we can,” stated Fiorelli.

The race not only honors Saint Ubaldo Baldassini’s heroic actions but also represents the spirit of the community

“Right there shows you the community that the man brought to his town and that’s what we’re trying to recreate here in Jessup, get everybody back, build the community, get it stronger, and just make sure those traditions stay where it is and keep growing and flourishing,” added Ronald Augelli Saint Ubaldo participant from Jessup.

“Viva San Ubaldo!,” says Fiorelli.

While it is technically a race between three teams. Team Saint Ubaldo will always win because is a day in his honor. That race will take place this Saturday in Jessup

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