Gina Abdallah of New Kensington knows the secret to a delicious cannoli is not its filling, nor is it the shell or nuts, or other accoutrements. It is the love you put into making it. “It’s what makes them tasty, the love,” Abdallah said. “I love doing it. I love being at festivals. I love my church. It’s a great part of the community.”

Love was in every bite of the desserts, as well as lasagna, meatballs and other goods, at the 42nd annual Mount St. Peter Parish Festa Italiana in New Kensington on Friday and Saturday. Abdallah has volunteered at the cannoli tent for at least the past five years. She was assisted by fellow parishioners Monica Pallone and new recruit Aimee Tatrn of Lower Burrell.