IL PENSIERO “THE THOUGHT”
Member of FUSIE (Federazione Italiana Stampa Unitaria all’Estero)
Office: 10001 Stonell Drive St. Louis, Missouri 63123
In Memory of Pope Francis: A Humble Shepherd of the Modern Church
By Courtney Kamm-Finn
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, became the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church in 2013—and the first from the Americas. His papacy marked a shift in tone for the Church, emphasizing compassion, humility, and service over tradition and hierarchy. From the start, Francis set himself apart: he chose simple papal garments, lived in a modest guesthouse rather than the Apostolic Palace, and prioritized outreach to the poor and marginalized.
Throughout his tenure, he addressed global issues such as climate change, migration, and economic inequality, most notably through his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’, which urged global environmental action. He also worked to modernize the Church’s stance on social issues, calling for greater inclusion and understanding, especially toward LGBTQ+ individuals and those who had divorced and remarried.
Above all, Pope Francis reminded the world that faith is lived in how we treat one another—with tenderness, forgiveness, and love. Millions across the globe are still mourning his death just last month, Catholic and non-Catholic alike.
May his memory be a blessing, and
may the seeds he planted continue to grow in a Church that strives to be, in his words, “a field hospital after battle”—offering healing, hope, and a home to all.
5 Fun and Meaningful Mother’s Day Activities
By Courtney Kamm-Finn
Mother’s Day is the perfect chance to slow down and spend intentional time with the moms who mean the most. Whether you’re celebrating your mother, a grandmother, or someone who’s stepped into that role, here are five thoughtful ways to make the day special:
1. Picnic in the Park
Pack her favorite snacks, grab a cozy blanket, and head to a local park (Berra Park on The Hill). Add flowers, a book, or a bottle of Italian wine for an extra relaxing evening.
2. Spa Day
Treat her to a little pampering with a DIY spa setup. Think face masks, a foot soak, and a mani-pedi station. Light some candles, play soothing music, and let her unwind. Or visit your favorite spa (Sunset Skin) for treatments together!
3. Cook Together
Skip the restaurant rush and cook a fun brunch or dinner together. Try a new recipe or recreate a family favorite—then enjoy your meal in the backyard or by candlelight.
4. Movie & Memory Night
Pull out old home videos or photo albums
and take a walk down memory lane. Pair it with popcorn, wine (DiGregorio’s on The Hill), and her favorite comfort movie for a cozy night in.
5. Get Creative
Sign up for a pottery or flower arranging class, or set up your craft table at home. It’s less about perfection and more about making memories together.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms (Dog moms, step moms, etc.) out there!
WorldCast25
Environmental Seminars
Coming Soon
Submitted by Silvio Laccetti
Joe Pontoriero, a student at Seton Hall Prep in West Orange, NJ, knows it’s crunch time in the project he began back in the fall of 2024. That’s when he volunteered to—essentially—produce, direct, and narrate WorldCast25. This project is a global seminar on environmental studies for high school students across the globe who report on significant problems in their local areas.
With the March 3 deadline past for submissions, Pontoriero has now received the 12 videotapes from schools around the world and is in the process of viewing, editing, and producing what is expected to be two full-length feature films. Says Joe, “I’m energized. I have been anticipating the creative work, and I am ready to construct Continued on page 5
PUBLISHERS
publishers
Antonino Lombardo & Carina Marino
Antonino Lombardo & Carina Marino
MANAGING EDITOR Anthony Gandolfo
EDITORIAL
ENGLISH
MANAGING EDITOR Anthony Gandolfo
COPY
ENGLISH EDITOR Marianne Peri-Sack
COPY
EDITORIAL
DIRETTORE PER ITALIA
DIRETTORE PER ITALIA
Salvatore Gandolfo Via Delle Palme 7 91021 Campobello di Mazara (TP) Italia
To subscribe to Il Pensiero, advertise or request a photographer at your event, email info@ilpensiero.net.
2025 Article/Ad Deadlines
June: May 16
July: June 13
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 at the owner’s risk.
PENSIERO
Bishop Mark S.
Nico Daly and his Confirmation Sponsor Luca Daly
Nico’s family at Queen of All Saints Catholic Church
Official Photographer
Msg. Bommarito and Dorothy DiGregorio
Fr. Steve Robeson, Margret Daly, Gus Torregrossa and Rosario Catarinicchia
Gus Torregrossa, Bishop Mark S. Rivituso and Eric Bohn
Rivituso,
Continued from page 1
a truly unique viewing experience for our global audience.”
The excitement and commitment come from knowing that WorldCast 25’s primary value is in informing students about problems beyond their sphere of activities while at the same time doing in-depth research on their local issues of international concern. Joe envisions developing interesting contacts and even forming friendships through the work.
The program content is varied, imaginative, and often unusual. For example, students in the Serra Negra chapter of Rotary Interact will present on Brazil’s Other Rainforest, The Atlantic Forest and its spring water ecosystem. Students
in Barcelona have created a satirical film in which humans have to navigate in a world filled with plastic refuse. The Marconi School in New York City has produced high-level research on the microplastics problem, and from Addis Ababa WorldCast25 discusses agricultural production in food-deprived regions.
WorldCast25 is the fifth in a series of environmental seminar broadcasts. The 2022 version was Zoomcast live across many time zones.
25 WILL BE BROADCAST IN TWO PARTS. PART I WILL AIR ON MAY 15 AT 9 AM EASTERN US TIME. PART TWO WILL AIR ON THE 22ND AT 9 AM EASTERN US TIME. TO ACCESS THE YOUTUBE CHANNEL, GO TO THE YOUTUBE HOME
PAGE AND ENTER @worldCast25. After the initial broadcast, the films can be accessed any time thereafter.
The Silvio Laccetti Foundation is partnering with the New York Consulate’s Education Office on this year’s program. The two parties are planning a permanent WorldCast station on YouTube for 2026 and thereafter. Any and all schools may post in the future, subject to guidelines. It is anticipated that Union City High School in New Jersey will serve as the reception center for material and as the broadcast site.
Learn more at laccettifoundation.org.
Benvenuti a St. Louis, Giulia & Wyatt!
W E L C O M E T O T H E H I L L !
These curious little travelers will be visiting their Zia and Zio in St . Louis this month and spending time exploring The Hill
Giulia (3) and Wyatt (2) have family roots that trace back to Cerisano, a town in the province of Cosenza in the Calabria region of southern Italy
If you see them out and about , be sure to give them a “Ciao!”
un annuncio
by Carina Marino
Submit content to info@ilpensiero.net before May 16, 2025 to be featured in the June issue. We look forward to receiving your announcements! Thank you
BIRTHDAYS
Joe Gandolfo
Rocco Naeger
Marisa Nicastro
ANNIVERSARIES
May 6
Alan and Donna Drombrowski
Joe and Lisa Gandolfo
May 27
Leo and Rosanna Leone
A Special Note: Happy Mother’s Day to my mom, Linda Marino who makes this publication possible.
Carina
Marino and the Il Pensiero staff
May’s Matches: 7, 10, 14 and 31
Summer 2025 Italian Language Classes Sponsored by the Italian Club of St. Louis
Italian for Travelers
Duration: 5 weeks. Fee: $50
Saturdays, May 10, 2025 – June 7, 2025. 10 a.m.–noon
St. Ambrose Church Hall - ED Classroom
Designed for those planning to travel to Italy. This course will introduce students to
the fundamental vocabulary and phrases useful for basic travel needs.
Beginner’s Italian 1
Duration: 8 weeks. Fee: $80
Mondays, June 9, 2025 – July 28, 2025. 4–6 p.m.
St. Ambrose Church Hall—ED Classroom
Designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of Italian grammar and develop basic communication skills. Emphasis is placed on basic grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and listening comprehension. Textbook required.
Beginner’s Italian 2
Duration: 8 weeks. Fee: $80
Mondays, June 9, 2025 – July 28, 2025. 6:30–8:30 p.m.
St. Ambrose Church Hall - ED Classroom
A continuation of Beginner’s Italian I. Textbook required. Please visit italianclubstl.org/courses to register.
Crafting Authentic Sicilian Limoncello and Building a Legacy in St. Louis
Submitted by Lindsay Marie Morris
Growing up with a father in the restaurant business, Joe Fresta, Jr., was naturally drawn to the epicurean world. From his vantage point as a Sicilian American on
Continued on page 8
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.
Make this for Mom on May 11!
Continued from page 7
St. Louis’s The Hill, a predominantly Italian community, he spotted an opportunity to fill a niche with Fresta Limoncello.
This hand-crafted, small-batch citrus liqueur currently sells in Missouri, but expanding its reach is part of Joe’s plans. He shared that vision, his background, how he got started, wins and challenges, advice for other entrepreneurs, and more. What is your background and connection to Sicily?
My great-grandparents on my father’s side came from the Taormina/ Catania area. They arrived through the Gulf of Mexico and into Louisiana. They had an extremely hard time being Sicilians in the South back then. So they fled north up the Mississippi River and eventually settled in the Italian section of St. Louis known as The Hill.
My father is in the restaurant business, so I grew up in and around the restaurant industry all my life. Out of college, I went to work for the Coca-Cola Company for about eight years. I learned a lot about the grocery store and on-premise beverage side of things. That experience has served me well in this endeavor.
Several years ago, I started a Facebook page called Fasebook Food Critic (with an “s” instead of a “c” because Facebook doesn’t let you use their brand in page names). And I would post a lot of very enticing food picks from different restaurants around town and wherever I traveled. People loved it and would soon start calling my photos “food porn.” From
there, I ended up co-hosting a radio show with another Italian gentleman, Frank Cusumano, on a local sports talk radio station. It was called The Weekly Special, where we would bring in restaurant owners and their chefs and interview them. They’d bring food into the studio, and we’d talk about the food, the industry, the history of their restaurant, and how it all got started. Listeners loved it, and it gave them ideas on where to dine that weekend. From there, the limoncello opportunity came about. What inspired you to create Fresta Limoncello?
I kicked around doing a beverage. I realized I didn’t want to do bourbon, vodka, tequila, wine, or beer because everybody— from movie stars to professional athletes— was slapping their name on those types of spirits. Instead, given my Italian heritage, I thought I would do a limoncello. It was unique and a road less traveled.
I sat down with a distiller, and we worked out a recipe, tasting different versions. First and foremost, I wanted it to be all-natural, with no artificial color and low sugar.
If you look at Fresta Limoncello next to all the others out on the market, many of them are almost neon yellow in color. Mine is very clear. I believe Fresta is the only one that really looks like that. So people appreciate that along with the packaging, the graphics on the bottle, and the frosted bottle itself. It’s definitely drawn to the eye of the consumer, enticing people to buy and try it.
I didn’t want it to be overly sweet. A lot of limoncellos are, and wouldn’t you know it, that’s the first comment I would get
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
PASSAPORTI/DOCUMENTI VIAGGIO/ NAVIGAZIONE/ PASSPORTS/ EMERGENCY TRAVEL DOCUMENTS passaporti.chicago@esteri.it 312-995-5485
AIRE
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ELETTORALE/ ELECTORAL elettorale.chicago@esteri.it 312-995-5485
STATO CIVILE/VITAL RECORDS chicago.statciv@esteri.it (312) 995 5485
CITTADINANZA/CITIZENSHIP cittadinanza.chicago@esteri.it (312) 995 5484
UFFICIO STUDENTI/CODICI FISCALI/ EQUIPOLLENZA TITOLI DI STUDIO/ COMMERCIALE/ STUDENT OFFICE/ FISCAL I.D./EQUIVALENCY OF DEGREES AND PROFESSIONAL TITLES/ COMMERCIAL commerciale.chicago@esteri.it 312-995-5486
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UFFICIO SCUOLA/ EDUCATION OFFICE scuola.chicago@esteri.it 312-995-5489
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
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Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Chicago Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago 500 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1450 Chicago, IL 60611 phone: 312-822-9545 fax: 312-822-9622
email:iicchicago@esteri.it website:iicchicago.esteri.it
from people when they first tried it: “Wow, it’s not overly sweet!”
That was paramount in how I wanted the product to be. I’ve drunk a lot of different limoncellos, both domestically and in Italy. They’re good but just too sweet, in my opinion. So people really appreciate that, and they continue to buy it.
We’re going on nearly two years with this now, and it’s been very successful around the St. Louis area and throughout Missouri.
How do you account for your success?
I do a lot of social media with photo shoots that I conduct personally. I’m very hands-on. Everything from the taste, the graphics on the bottle, and how it’s marketed. Social media is a very powerful medium if you know how to use it properly, so I’ve really capitalized on its power. My distributor has done a pretty good job with market penetration as well.
I also get out in the marketplace. I go to restaurants to visit with owners and their customers. I have them try the limoncello and tell them where they can purchase it. That’s led to us getting into all three major grocery store chains in St. Louis and around Missouri. I’ll also go into the grocery stores to check shelves and front up the bottles. There are a lot of mom-and-pop Italian grocery markets and restaurants around town as well.
What challenges have you faced?
The challenge is distribution because you have to keep up with the demand. It’s a good problem to have, actually. But, if there aren’t enough bottles behind the bar or on grocery store shelves, I’m not going to sell product or add and keep customers.
It’s been a labor of love because I’ve grown up in and around the business, and I’ve been blessed to know a lot of people in the restaurant industry. It really has been a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to keeping the momentum going, saturating the Missouri market, and then eventually moving out exponentially from the St. Louis and Missouri epicenter, getting into neighboring states, especially in cities with predominantly Italian communities and restaurants.
What feedback have you received from Missouri bars and restaurants?
They like it. How do I know that? They keep ordering it. And there are restaurants and grocery stores that just blow through it, especially during the holidays.
There’s one particular Italian grocery store here on The Hill called DiGregorio’s. They went through several cases of it within four hours on Christmas Eve.
A lot of companies or business owners bought Fresta Limoncello as Christmas gifts for clients and family members. They would even give me feedback on the reaction of the people they would give it to. People just loved it! Being handed that bottle and, most notably, the story behind it, and it being something local, too.
Your limoncello is award-winning. What does that mean to you and your brand?
My distiller entered the 2023 New Orleans Spirits Competition on a whim before we even hit the marketplace.
It won the silver medal in the Liqueur
Category. Getting that kind of an award or recognition early on meant a lot. It provided a lot of confidence in the brand and, more importantly, the actual product itself. It certainly gave me an initial selling point when I first started going around and trying to introduce people to the product. It provided a solid platform to walk into an establishment and say, “Hey, look, we won this award,” and I incorporated that into a lot of the social media as well. It was a major positive.
What are your future plans?
The next step would be to do a prepackaged Fresta Spritz, which would be pre-made with a Prosecco in four-pack glass bottles.
We may also do a Fresta Limoncello La Crema. One of those two things will likely be the next step from the flagship. What impact do you hope to have on the St. Louis community?
I do a lot of charity work. I am a twotime cancer survivor and the Board Chair of the Cancer Care Foundation I founded. It’s about 13 years old now, and I’ve raised over $2 million for families who are fighting cancer. So, at some point down the road, when the brand becomes more successful, I would like to incorporate that into my cancer foundation and help raise more funding to help cancer patients pay their bills and whatnot. What advice would you give someone looking to start a spirits brand?
Find a niche market like I did. Take an avenue that’s less traveled and where you can be the father of that, and just go for it. Surround yourself with the right people. Don’t let anybody tell you “No” or “You’re crazy for doing it.” Just go ahead and get in there!
After the demise of Anheuser-Busch in St. Louis, when the Busch family sold out, a lot of microbreweries started to pop up all over the place, and those guys did a pretty good job of filling a void and being pretty successful in their own right. What experience do you hope to share?
I would just share with people the importance of great customer service. I think it’s a dying component in the service industry today. I want my customers to know we’re there for them when they need something. It all comes down to service. You’ve got to take care of the customer.
If you enjoyed this article, visit lindsaymariemorris.com.
Read With Alexandra (RWA)
by Alexandra Marino Durmišević
It has been one year since I started the Read with Alexandra column, and I have loved exploring Italian authors and stories, as well as hearing from you, the readers. I want to thank you for your interactions and recommendations so far, and I look forward to many more in the second year. Il Pensiero was contacted by Frank Di Piero, podcast host of Keepin’ It Real with Frankie D., via email with a letter to the editor about his visit to The Hill in St. Louis. He enjoyed his time and was very impressed. After being a guest on his podcast, Di Piero sent Il Pensiero this book. This book reminded me so much of my Nonna and how hard she worked to make a life for herself and her family in America. I smiled through many chapters of this book because of the fond memories it brought to mind of her cooking and the way she took care of my sister and me. Many of these stories resonate deeply with the experiences of Italian American women. They are stories of adversity and resilience through life’s hardship as an Italian immigrant but maintaining a sense of Italian heritage in the new home. I closed this book with the emphasis on something I know to be old and true: the woman is the glue that holds a family together.
NIAF Applauds President Trump’s Commitment to Restore Columbus Day to National Prominence Attribute to
NIAF President & CEO Robert Allegrini
The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) commends President Trump’s commitment to preserving and enhancing the celebration of Columbus Day. As the nation’s premier Italian American organization, NIAF has long championed the importance of this holiday not only for Italian Americans but for all Americans who value our shared history.
For years, NIAF has been at the forefront of protecting Columbus Day against efforts to diminish its significance. We have consistently advocated for the preservation of Columbus statues and monuments as vital symbols of Italian American heritage and contributions to American society.
“Italian Women in Chicago II: Siamo arrivate! We Have Arrived!" Edited by:
Dominic Candeloro Ph.D.,Frank
Di Piero, Anna Angiuli Weiss Ph.D., Christina Marrocco Ph. D. (Introduction)
We are grateful for the President’s strong support and share his vision for a robust national celebration that honors the spirit of exploration, courage, and cultural exchange that Columbus represents. NIAF stands ready to work with the administration to ensure that Columbus Day continues as a proud tradition that celebrates the enduring bond between Italy and the United States.
