Michaela Sacco Solimine will be The ‘Flying Angel’ at annual Fishermen’s Feast
By Cary Shuman
Adding to a unique family tradition that spans more than 90 years, Michaela Sacco Solimine will be the Flying Angel in the 115th Annual Fishermen’s Feast in honor of the Madonna del Soccorso di Sciacca.
Michaela is the seven-year-old daughter of Dianna Sacco Solimini, a former superbly talented dancer at Beverly Richards’ East Boston studio, and Joe Solimine. She has an older brother, Matthew, 12. Their uncle (Dianna’s brother) is David Sacco, one of East Boston and Pope John XXIII High School’s greatest all-time three-sport athletes.
Dianna Sacco Solimine explained the historic four-generation connection that her daughter will uphold on North Street in the North End Sunday night.
“My grandmother, Anna Campo, flew in 1934 when she was 10 years old,” said Dianna. “She passed in 2018, but I know “she” will be smiling down on Michaela. This feast was her Christmas. As soon as Michaela was born, she said – we have an angel!”
“My mother, Rita Campo Sacco, flew in 1963 when she was 10 years old.
I flew for the first time in 1995 at 10 years old. I grew up in East Boston and lived there until 2013 when my husband and I bought our house in Stoneham.”
Dianna said her daughter, Michaela, is a rising second grader at St. Patrick’s School and enjoys dance, musical theater and soccer, and playing with her dog, Orzo.
“Michaela is excited to fly,” said her proud mother. “She knows this is a big honor for our family and is thrilled to carry on the tradition.”
According to Dianna, as part of her responsibilities as The Flying Angel, Michaela will recite a prayer in Italian in honor of the Madonna del Soccorso.
Dianna and Joe Solimine, a member of the Madonna Del Soccorso Society, expect several members of their respective families to join the thousands of attendees at the Fishermen’s Feast for their daughter’s “Famous Flight of the Angel.”
“I can’t wait, I’m nervous but more excited than nervous,” said Dianna. “This event is like a reunion for us. This is a big, meaningful opportunity for our family. Being selected for this is such an honor.”
And of course, Michaela’s 6-foot-5-inch uncle, David Sacco, will be in the North End, as proud of his niece as the night he became Pope John’s all-time leading basketball scorer.