A REMEMBRANCE FROM A VISIT TO ITALY
Dear Maria: The scan is an enlarged photo of the original that I took in 1988 at the Vatican in Rome. This was my first trip to Italy to visit my Dad’s home town in Pacentro. The visit was wonderful staying with my relatives in Pacentro; eating real Italian food, breathing the crisp mountain air, and enjoying the wonderful people living in Pacentro.
This photo is most unusual and I took it with a Polaroid Camera. The image startled many of the people that were with my tour group. Some thought I was sick and there was a message in this photo. I don’t know but I like to think it is something special so I am submitting this photo in case you may want to share with other members. Thank you, William F. LePore
LUCIO IS AT IT AGAIN!
Inspired by the success Lucio achieved about four years ago in establishing the Italian Heritage Society of St. Mary of Sorrows Church in Fairfax, VA, Lucio has done it again! When Lucio and Edvige moved, about two years ago to Westminster at Lake Ridge, an independent living community, they joined the parish of the Church of the Nativity in Burke, VA. Some of the Church’s parishioners knew that Lucio had launched an Italian heritage society at St. Mary’s, and asked Lucio and Edvige to do the same at Nativity. They were both enthusiastic with the idea.
They approached the Pastor at Nativity, Father Robert Cilinski, whose parents are Polish and Italian, who gave his whole-hearted support. Joining in their support were Sisters Donatella and Mary, members of the Order of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and natives of Sicily. An open house was held on Wednesday, March 2 to launch the Nativity Italian Heritage and Cultural Society (NIHCS): 65 parishioners attended the open house. Lucio and a small group of friends who helped to launch the Society were pleasantly surprised and encouraged.
Lucio invited each person at the open house to introduce himself/herself and to indicate their Italian roots. Besides some native Italians, the majority of guests were 1st or 2nd generation Italian Americans; some recalled where their ancestors came from, including Sicily, Campagnia, Veneto, Friuli/Venezia, Puglia, Calabria, Abruzzo, and Molise; some have no Italian roots but love Italy. What was especially gratifying to Lucio and Edvige was the enthusiastic support and the obvious need for a society that was long overdue. Nativity is one of the largest parishes in the Archdiocese of Arlington, with some 6,000 parishioners.
The potential for growth is there. The mission of the NIHCS is to promote the cultural, social and educational heritage of Italy and its regions, and to increase the awareness and appreciation of the contributions made by Italians, Italian Americans, and those of Italian heritage to the economic, social and cultural development of the United States. The NIHCS plans to hold monthly meetings; an ambitious program is planned for the future.
A contributing factor to the success of the NIHCS and the Italian society at St. Mary of Sorrows, is the sponsorship of adult Italian language classes, which are offered not only in these two parishes but also at the Truro Anglican Church in Fairfax and in private homes. One of the earliest supporters of the Society is Carla Kosciuszko, who will be making a presentation to AMHS on May 15, on “The Etruscans – A Beautiful People”. Someone asked Edvige why Lucio is so committed to promoting his heritage; her response was “It is in his DNA!” (Submitted by Lucio D’Andrea).