IL PENSIERO “THE THOUGHT”
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Office: 10001 Stonell Drive St. Louis, Missouri 63123
Italian Republic Day 2025 Honors
The DiGregorio Family and Bishop Mark S. Rivituso
Submitted by Angelo Sita
Every country has its national patriotic day. In the United States, we have the Fourth of July. In Italy, it is “Italian Republic Day,” June 2. On this date, in 1946, the Italian Republic was born. The recognition of Geographic Italy extends over two millennia. During the Risorgimento, most of Italy was united as the Kingdom of Italy under the House of Savoy in 1860, which is credited for the birth of the Italian political state.
The Italian Monarchy facilitated Benito Mussolini and the Fascists taking power in Italy. After World War II, many Italians were upset with the House of Savoy for enabling the Fascists to fight with Germany during the war. The Italian Parliament decided to hold a plebiscite to decide if Italy would remain a kingdom or become a democratic republic. This resulted in the death of the Kingdom of Italy, and the birth of the Italian Republic was declared on June 2, 1946. Every year the Sicilian Cultural Association has a banquet
celebrating Italian Republic Day, June 2.
This year the banquet was held on June 1. Reverend Leo Spezia was the emcee of the event. Fr. Leo called the president of the Sicilian Cultural Association, Tanina Santangelo, to the podium, and she stated she was proud that the Sicilian Club sponsored the event. Banquet Chair Vincenzo DiPiazza welcomed everyone in attendance. Honorary Vice Italian Counsel Joseph Colagiovanni explained the significance of this day to Italy.
Those in attendance were treated to a seven-course meal with an open bar.
The DiGregorio family was recognized for their successful business on The Hill. Sam and Dora DiGregorio started their grocery store in June 1971. Frank DiGregorio stated that the business is celebrating its 54th year and looks forward to welcoming their customers for many years to come. Fr. Leo presented the family
with an obelisk, a token for their devotion to serving their customers.
Bishop Mark S. Rivituso was ordained Auxiliary Bishop of St. Louis by Archbishop Robert Carlson on May 2, 2017. A native of St. Louis, he was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School, Cardinal Glennon College, and Kendrick School of Theology. In 37 years as a priest, he has served as an Associate Pastor, Pastor on the faculty of St. Dominic High School, Associate Master of Ceremonies to the Archbishop, and Judicial Vicar for the Appellate Tribunal of the Province of Missouri. Bishop Rivituso is proud of his Italian heritage, and the Sicilian Cultural Association is delighted to present him with the Italian American Service Award.
To learn more about the Sicilian Cultural Association of St. Louis, visit sicilianstl.com (check out the new website!).
The DiGregorio family
Bishop Mark S. Rivituso and family
JULY 2025
7/4 - Independence Day
-
WHAT'S THE WEATHER?
PUBLISHERS
publishers
Antonino Lombardo & Carina Marino
Antonino Lombardo & Carina Marino
EVENTS TO ATTEND
Celebrate St. Louis
July 3-4
Celebration of music, fun, and fireworks at the Arch
July 3-6 The Ozzie Smith Sports Complex St. Charles Riverfest
Full Moon Float
July 12-13 Book through “Big Muddy Adventures”
July 4-6 Frontier Park starting Friday, July 4 at noon th Star-Spangled Night
July 4
Six Flags St. Louis starting at 9:05 p.m.
July 11 Maplewood, MO from 6 - 10 p.m. Heritage & Freedom Fest
Let Them Eat Art
MANAGING EDITOR Anthony Gandolfo
EDITORIAL
MANAGING
ENGLISH
Gandolfo
ENGLISH EDITOR Marianne Peri-Sack
EDITORIAL
Kamm-Finn
BUSINESS
BUSINESS MANAGER Linda Marino
MAIN OFFICE 314-722-6728 italia
DIRETTORE PER ITALIA Salvatore Gandolfo Via Delle Palme 7 91021 Campobello di Mazara (TP) Italia
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August: July 11
September: August 15
October: September 12
November: October 10
December: November 14
Degli articoli firmati che appaiono sul giomale sono responsabili i singoli autori, i quali non rappresentano necessariamente il punto di vista generale, ne’ esprimono la politica de “Il Pensiero.” Operando conforme alle nostre vedute democratiche, si accetta la collaborazione di persone esprimenti il piu’ largo arco di opinioni, senza pregiudiziale di sorta.
The signed articles appearing in Il Pensiero “The Thought” are the opinions of the individual authors, who do not represent the general point of view, nor do they express the views of Il Pensiero. We accept the collaboration of people expressing the most wide range of opinions. Opinions expressed in Il Pensiero “The Thought” are not necessarily those of Il Pensiero and Il Pensiero does not accept responsibility for advertising content. Any images supplied are
PENSIERO
Official Photographer
Gus Torregrossa, Margaret Daly, Torri Torregrossa and Nicholas Imo
Angelo Sita, Mike and Tanina Santangelo, Bishop Mark S. Rivituso, John DiGregorio, Frank DiGregorio, Vincent DiPiazza and Dora DiGregorio
and Annie Stikia, John DiGregorio and Sue and Joe Vollmer
Mark
Angelo Sita Honorary Vice Consul Joseph Colagiovanni
The Silvio Laccetti Foundation Joined Forces With Union City High School (NJ) and the Education Office of the NYC Italian Consulate in NYC
Submitted by Silvio Laccetti
At a recent meeting, The Silvio Laccetti Foundation joined forces with Union City High School (NJ) and the Education Office of the NYC Italian Consulate in NYC to establish ground rules for the expansion of WorldCast environmental seminars by and for high school students globally. WorldCast will expand its participating schools and establish a permanent YouTube Channel headquartered in the Fine Arts and Audio Visual Studios at UCHS. Eventually, the channel will allow postings at any time. Schools in the St. Louis area wishing to learn more about the program should contact: Silvio Laccetti at slaccetti@verizon.net.
Misericordia Society, Presented the Scholarship Check to Elise Ruggeri
Becky Tower, President of Misericordia Society, presented the scholarship check to Elise Ruggeri at the meeting on Sunday, June 8. Elise is the recipient of the 2025 Misericordia Scholarship, which required an essay on the topic of “what being a part of the Italian community in St. Louis means to me.” Elise read her essay at the meeting. The essay was also published in the June edition of Il Pensiero. The scholarship is in the amount of $1000. Elise graduated from St. Ambrose School in May, 2025, and will be attending Notre Dame High School in the fall. Elise is the daughter of Christopher and Jennifer Ruggeri of St. Louis.
Union Avenue Opera Prepares
For A Thrilling
2025 Season: A Dazzling Lineup of Opera Classics and a Unique Double Bill
Union Avenue Opera (UAO) is eagerly preparing for its highly anticipated 2025 Festival Season, bringing a mix of beloved musical theater, historical drama, and grand opera to St. Louis audiences. The season, featuring My Fair Lady, a gripping double bill of Josephine and Pagliacci, and the intense drama of Salome, will run from July through August at the historic Union Avenue Christian Church.
“As we continue to expand our artistic offerings, we are excited to present a season that embraces a variety of musical styles and dramatic narratives,” said Founding Artistic Director Scott Schoonover, “from a classic Broadway hit to the emotional depth of verismo opera, our 2025 season has something for everyone.”
DOUBLE BILL: JOSEPHINE AND PAGLIACCI
July 25-26, August 1-2
Josephine – Music and Libretto: Tom Cipullo Pagliacci – Music and Libretto: Ruggero Leoncavallo
Conducted by: Stephen Hargreaves
Directed by: Kathryn Frady
Continued on page 6
un annuncio
by Carina Marino
Submit content to info@ilpensiero.net before July 11, 2025 to be featured in the August issue. We look forward to receiving your announcements! Thank you
BIRTHDAYS
Michael Sabaski
Gus Torregrossa
A Special Note:
Happy Independence Day!
Carina Marino
and the Il Pensiero staff
Continued from page 5
Josephine is presented in English with projected English supertitles Pagliacci is presented in Italian with projected Italian supertitles
This compelling double bill delves into the intricate interplay between performance and reality through two contrasting yet thematically linked works.
Josephine brings to life the story of legendary entertainer and civil rights icon Josephine Baker, capturing her meteoric rise from St. Louis to international stardom, alongside the personal challenges she faced offstage. With a sweeping and emotionally charged score, composerlibrettist Tom Cipullo paints a vivid portrait
of a trailblazing artist navigating a world that wasn’t always ready for her.
In contrast, Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci plunges audiences into the raw emotional world of a traveling commedia troupe, where art and reality collide in a tragic tale of jealousy, betrayal, and revenge. With its unforgettable aria “Vesti la giubba” and searing verismo drama, Pagliacci remains one of opera’s most enduring and explosive masterpieces.
Manna K. Jones makes her UAO
and role debut as the electrifying Josephine Baker in Cipullo’s one-woman tour de force. In Pagliacci, UAO welcomes back audience favorite Andy Papas as Tonio, following his acclaimed turns as Don Pasquale, Dr. Bartolo (Il barbiere di Siviglia), and the Major General (The Pirates of Penzance). Meroë Khalia Adeeb returns as Nedda, having previously impressed as Micaëla (Carmen) and The Governess (The Turn of the Screw). Making their UAO debuts are Continued on page 7
Jonny Kaufman as the tormented Canio and Kenneth Stavert as Silvio, with Marc Schapman as Beppe. A chorus of 14 local artists completes the ensemble.
This gripping double feature is conducted by Stephen Hargreaves and directed by Kathryn Frady in her UAO debut, with scenic design by Laura Skroska, lighting by Patrick Huber, and costumes by Teresa Doggett. Don’t miss this unforgettable night at the opera — where history and heartbreak share the stage.
Single tickets range from $25 to $60, and three-opera season tickets start at just $84. Tickets are available online at unionavenueopera.org or by calling 314-361-2881. Discounts are available for seniors (65+), military/educators, young audiences (under 18), and groups of 10 or more.
All performances take place at Union Avenue Opera’s home in Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 N. Union Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108. Free parking is available behind the venue, with additional street parking nearby.
Join us this summer for three unforgettable productions — where legendary stories, extraordinary voices, and bold staging bring the power of opera to life in the heart of St. Louis.
About Union Avenue Opera
backgrounds.
Social: #UAOpera
Instagram: @UAOpera
Facebook: @UnionAvenueOpera
Read With Alexandra (RWA)
By Alexandra Marino Durmišević
By Adriana Trigiani
Bring this to your gathering! Continued from page 6
Founded in 1994, Union Avenue Opera is a cornerstone of the St. Louis arts community, known for its intimate productions, outstanding musicianship, and commitment to emerging artists. UAO presents opera in its original languages with English supertitles, offering powerful performances that connect across generations and
Adriana Trigiani’s latest novel is a must-read for the summer. I did not want this book to end! I stopped reading the last 20 pages one night because I wanted to savor the ending and not rush through it. It has all my favorite elements in a book: romance, family secrets, and a beautiful setting. I found myself texting quotes from this book to my mom, sister, and husband because I connected with the main character so much. I loved the Italian traditions and witty banter of the family. Like other RWA picks, I enjoyed looking up unfamiliar Italian words and adding them to my vocabulary.
Giuseppina (Jess) Capodimonte Baratta is 34 years old and the youngest in her family. Her marriage has failed, and she is living in her parents’s basement. Jess’s dreams are always put on hold because she has to take care of her family’s problems.
She works with her Uncle Louie in the family marble business. An unexpected series of events propels her into motion to finally live her life. Jess finds her way in Carrara, Italy, by reconnecting to the place where her family began.
Check back next month for a new book review!
Independence Day Mediterranean Artichoke Dip
Ingredients:
2 cans of artichokes
1 cup of mayonnaise
1 cup of Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Chop up artichokes and add the ingredients and mix together. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until bubbly. Serve with your choice of cracker.
“The View From Lake Como”
XIX Conference of Italian Researchers in the World
There The 19th Conference of Italian Researchers in the World was opened by Gabriele Andreoli, president of the Institute Advance Studies and Cooperation, who moderated the session which featured institutional interventions by the Vice President of the European Parliament Antonella Sberna, the ViceRector of the Universite’ Libre de Bruxelles Anne Weyembergh, the President of the Texas Scientific Italian Community Andrea Giuffrida, the coordinator of the event at the European Parliament Antonio Cenini, and the Italian Ambassador to Belgium Federica Favi, and the Minister of Health Orazio Schillaci with a video message.
For the occasion, greetings were sent by the President of the Senate Ignazio La Russa, the President of the Chamber of Deputies Fontana, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani, the Minister of University and Research, the Minister Anna Maria Bernini, and the Minister of Business and Made in Italy Adolfo Urso. Representatives of the associations of Italian researchers in the world also spoke: Cristina Bettin (Israel), Ilaria Pagani (Australia), Rossana De Angelis (France), Carla Molteni (United Kingdom), Fabio Pinna (Belgium) and Simone Lucatello (Mexico), the latter emphasizing that we should have a practical, clear, organized relationship, and
with a signal of greater interest and vision. from Italian institutions.
The scientific programme of the Conference was divided into four thematic sections, dedicated respectively to aerospace, basic research, including the robotics, high technology, and artificial intelligence, to medicine, and to the humanities. Speakers included internationally renowned Italian scientists and researchers who hold important roles of responsibility in research institutions with offices in European countries, North and South America, China, Australia, and Japan.
In the aerospace section, moderated by Stefano Boccaletti, Adriano Ghedina, Cesare Brava and Claudia Paladini spoke, describing the fundamental contributions of Italian researchers in the large astronomical and space observation projects that characterise the research of the European Space Agency and NASA.
The next section was moderated by Timoteo Carletti and Simone Napolitano.
The topics covered were the theory of complex networks (with speeches by Riccardo Muolo, Charo del Genio and Ludovico Minati), amorphous materials (through the speech by Itamar Procaccia), the circular bioeconomy, photoacoustic spectroscopy and the applications of digital twins (with speeches by Alessandro Parente, David Cannella, Luca Fiorani, Elio Tuci, Simone Lucatello and Angelo Pinto).
This was followed by a long scientific section, moderated by Andrea Giuffrida and Maddalena Parafati, dedicated to
medical research, during which there were speeches by Antonio Colaprico, Pietro Coletti, Enkelejda Miho, Eleonora Leucci,
Continued on page 12
D’ITALIA
Mario Alberto Bartoli CONSOLE GENERALE
500 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1850 Chicago, IL 60611 phone: 312-467-1550
certified email (PEC): con.chicago@cert.esteri.it italcons.chicago@esteri.it
Hours: (open to public) Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Onorario D’Italia/Honorary Vice Consul Joseph Colagiovanni
Honorary Vice Consul of Italy ITALIANCONSULSTL@GMAIL.COM 314-705-2413
VISTI/VISAS visti.chicago@esteri.it 312-995-5487
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Italian Trade Agency 401 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1720 Chicago, Illinois 60611 chicago@ice.it 312-670-4360 website:ice.it/it
Agenzia Nazionale del Turismo/ Italian Government Tourist Office
500 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2240, Chicago, IL 60611 312-644-0990 italiantourism.com
ONLY FOR ITALIAN CITIZENS WITH TRUE EMERGENCIES (accidents, arrests, etc.):
Available from 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. and from 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. CST Monday –Friday, and from 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, and holidays – Call +1(312) 909-0304
Emergencies between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. CT, contact the MAECI at 011 39 06 36912666
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Continued from page 8
Viviana Vella, Antonella Fioravanti, Sara Piccirillo, Casimiro Gerarduzzi. The reports clearly showed that the work of Italian researchers abroad provides a contribution of fundamental importance in key topics for public health such as omics and translational medicine, neuroinformatics and modern cancer research.
Finally, a section dedicated to the humanities was held, moderated by Andrea Giuffrida, which saw the participation of Michele Vincenti on topics concerning the interaction between artificial intelligence and spirituality, and the young Eugenia Cenini who described integrated approaches for well-being and quality of sight implemented in some regions of Brazil.
The conference was closed with a speech by the founder and Chairman of the Conference, Vincenzo Arcobelli.
“This edition invites us to reflect on the valorization of Italian human capital abroad and the strengthening of scientific research, a strategic priority for global competitiveness. Key actions are: more resources for research, stabilization of researchers, meritocracy, synergies between universities and businesses, modernization of infrastructures, administrative simplification, use of Horizon Europe. The flight of 120,000 Italian researchers (15,000 in the USA) has caused economic losses for Italy, which in the last thirteen years translate into 134 billion euros. Coordinated policies are needed for an attractive research ecosystem. Furthermore, a reversal of the trend can be noted, while in the USA funding is reduced, Italy invests 50 million euros for infrastructure and talent repatriation. Investing in young people and science is crucial for a competitive Europe and Italy.
Finally he announced that the twentieth edition will take place in Italy”.
NIAF Hosted Gala in Rome in Honor of 50th Anniversary
Rome Gala Held at Prestigious Palazzo Colonna
The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is proud to announce a special gala in Rome, Italy, was held on June 3, 2025, at the historic Palazzo Colonna. The exclusive event, organized by NIAF Italia, NIAF’s sister organization in Italy, was designed to celebrate NIAF’s 50th anniversary in the Italian capital and to commemorate NIAF’s long history of strengthening cultural and diplomatic ties between the United States and Italy.
The gala coincided with NIAF’s Annual Board Mission Trip to Italy—a week-long series of institutional and cultural meetings with local and national officials designed to strengthen connections between the United States and Italy. This timing allows NIAF leadership to fully engage with Italian partners while celebrating this historic anniversary.
“We are honored to continue the yearlong celebration of our 50th anniversary with an event in Rome, the
eternal city that represents the heart of our ancestral homeland,” said John Calvelli, NIAF Chairman. “This gala symbolizes the strong bond between Italian Americans and Italy that has only grown stronger over the past five decades of NIAF’s work.”
“For 50 years, NIAF has been the preeminent organization connecting Italian Americans to their heritage,” said Robert Allegrini, NIAF President and CEO. “Hosting this special anniversary celebration in Rome perfectly embodies our ongoing mission to promote and preserve the Italian American experience while fostering stronger connections between the United States and Italy.”
Claudia Vanni, distinguished Mediaset journalist, news anchor, and head of the Tgcom24 Foreign Affairs desk, served as mistress of ceremonies for the evening. The gala welcomed notable attendees from both sides of the Atlantic, including highranking officials from Italian and American institutions, along with prominent figures from government, business, and cultural sectors.
“This celebration underscores the importance of our ongoing work connecting Italian and American communities,” said Paolo Catalfamo, President of NIAF Italia and NIAF Board Member. “We continue to build bridges that honor our shared heritage.”
“As we mark this historic milestone, we aim to make NIAF and its activities better known in Italy and to share how strong are the Italian values and the respect for our culture with the Americans of Italian descent,” said Andrea Delfini, Vice President of NIAF Italia and member of the NIAF Board of Directors.
In conjunction with the 50th anniversary celebration, NIAF has designated Lazio as its “Region of Honor” for 2025, a particularly meaningful recognition as it coincides with Rome’s Jubilee Year. This designation aims to enhance the visibility of Lazio’s excellence in the American market, promote “Made in Lazio” products and services, and foster new investment and business opportunities between the region and the United States.
“It is a great honor to serve as Honorary Chair for this historic evening that celebrates the enduring relationship between Italy and the United States,” said Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, NIAF Board Member and Executive Chairman of Heritage Group. “This gala represents not only a celebration of our past accomplishments but also a commitment to strengthening our cultural and economic ties for generations to come.”
Umberto Mucci, editor of We the Italians, shared his enthusiasm for the event: “We are very pleased to pass the baton to our friends at NIAF for June 2025 and to celebrate their first extraordinary 50 years: our best wishes and thanks go to NIAF for all they have done so far. The We the Italians gala in Rome has become a well-established tradition in celebrating the Italian American community and the relationship between Italy and the United States, and it will return in June 2026 with even greater enthusiasm and a strengthened friendship between We the Italians and NIAF.”
Proceeds from the Rome Gala supported NIAF’s important work in furthering the organization’s commitment to preserving Italian heritage and culture through education. Since its founding, NIAF has awarded over $10,000,000 in scholarships. Annually, the foundation distributes approximately $1.5 million in scholarships, grants, and heritage travel programs aimed at connecting Italian American students with their ancestral roots and developing the skills needed to become the next generation of cultural ambassadors.
For more information about the NIAF 50th Anniversary Gala in Rome, please visit niaf.org.
About NIAF
The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization based in the United States that promotes the Italian culture and heritage. Founded in 1975, NIAF has been a leading advocate for Italian Americans, preserving their legacy and promoting their contributions to the United States.
A New Book Coming This Fall
The year is 1941, and in the Philippines, Caramina Grassi dreams of training in Italy to become an opera singer like her older sister, Rosa. But as war erupts, her world is shattered, forcing her to cling to the music that has always been her refuge. When her family’s lives are threatened and they are forced to flee to the jungle, she comes to understand that music is more than comfort. It becomes her source of courage, sacrifice, and determined focus on what is good in the world. Meanwhile, in Florence, just as Rosa Grassi’s longawaited opera debut arrives, Mussolini tightens his grip on Italy. Drawn into la Resistenza, the underground resistance, Rosa feels lost in a fog of deception that clouds everything she thought to be true. In a time when family or friend could be foe, Rosa will learn that performing isn’t just for the stage. Facing a devastating betrayal, she must decide how far she’s willing to go to protect the one she loves. “In The Light of the Sun” is an unforgettable story of sisterhood, hope, and the enduring power of music to uplift the human spirit—even in the darkest of times.
Born and raised in Michigan, Angela Shupe received her Bachelor of Arts in English, cum laude, from the University of Detroit. She is an award-winning author whose essays and short stories have been published in various journals and magazines, and she is a member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association and the Historical Novel Society. “In The Light of the Sun” was a semi-finalist in the 2018 Faulkner-Wisdom Creative Writing Novel Competition. Visit her website at angelamshupe.com.
Instagram: @angelamshupe
