Contessa Entellina Society of New Orleans

The Contessa Entellina Society of New Orleans was founded on September 8, 1886 and incorporated on October 22, 1886 by Arbëresh families — descendants of the Albanian settlers of Contessa Entellina, Sicily — who organized in New Orleans as "la Societa Italiana de Beneficenza Contessa Entellina." The society describes itself as the oldest Italian/Sicilian society in New Orleans and remains one of the oldest Albanian-heritage organizations in the United States.

It operates as a benevolent society. Membership is open to men and women, with eligibility tied to surnames listed under the society's "Our Tree & Crests," and members' estates receive a $500 death benefit. Monthly meetings are held Wednesday evenings, 6:30–9:30 PM, at the Jefferson Parish East Bank Regional Library in Metairie.

Religious life is central. The founding date is tied to the feast of Santissima Maria della Favara (Shen Meria e Favars). Joseph Tortorich leads the Fatima Rosary on the 13th of each month at 7 PM in the Adoration Chapel of Saint Dominic's Church, 775 Harrison Avenue. A rosary in the Arbëresh language is also held at Saint Mary's Italian Church, 1116 Chartres Street, in the French Quarter.

The society documents its community through photographs, videos, interviews, and articles on Arbëresh history, religion, and language. An annual November gathering in the Metairie catacombs, covered by KOHA.net, has continued for decades — prayers, stories, and meals remembering the families who left Contessa Entellina for New Orleans in the late 1800s and early 1900s.