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Louis, Missouri 63123
Misericordia Processes Around The Hill
On a beautiful, sunny October Sunday morning, the Misericordia Society held its annual procession from the front of St. Ambrose Church on The Hill. The procession began at 10:30 a.m. on October 5 and made a left turn onto Wilson Avenue. From Wilson, the procession moved to Edwards, then left onto Bischoff to Marconi, and into church for the 11 a.m. Mass. The procession was led by the flag bearers, Arthur Pietroburgo, Carl Middleman, and Michael Lombardo, holding the American, Misericordia, and Italian flags. Following the colors was the big picture of the Misericordia Madonna and Child on a special stand mounted to the cart that is also used in the Corpus Christi procession in June. Wheeling the cart were Brian Tower and Dan Schaeffer. The Knights of Columbus formed an honor guard right behind the picture. Following the Knights
were Nicholle Middleman, carrying a bouquet of red and yellow roses, Father Jack Siefert, Deacon John Stoverink, and Seminarian Jacob Reed. The St. Ambrose Choir, Misericordia members and other participants, and golf carts made up the rest of the procession. The Litany of the Blessed Mother and the Memorare were prayed, and several hymns were sung as the faithful made their way along the streets of The Hill. The procession was accompanied by Second District St. Louis Police Officer Joel Carvajal, who used his vehicle to block the street and keep everyone safe.
The procession ended in St. Ambrose Church just before the Mass in Italian began. Father Patrick Baikauskas, O.P., was the celebrant, assisted by Deacon John Stoverink. Choir member and Misericordia member Patricia Gitto sang a beautiful rendition of Ave Maria after communion. Following the Mass, the Misericordia group went to Guido’s Restaurant for a delicious lunch and lively conversation.
To learn more, visit misericordiastl.com.
Global EduLanguage Foundation Launches in New York: A New Force in Promoting Italian Language and Culture in Schools and Communities
The Global EduLanguage Foundation (GEF) has officially launched in New York City as a nonprofit organization devoted to promoting Italian language and culture in schools and communities across multicultural settings.
Created under the supervision of the Educational Office of the Consulate General of Italy in New York, GEF is a 501(c)(3) entity that aims to support teachers, students, and institutions with innovative educational programs. Through music, theater, and the arts, the foundation seeks to bring Italian alive in classrooms while encouraging multilingualism and cultural exchange.
The opening event gathered educators, artists, and community leaders. Among the guests were Claudio Pagliara, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute, and Dr. Daniele Castellani, the Director of the Educational Office of the Consulate
PUBLISHERS
publishers
Antonino Lombardo & Carina Marino
Antonino Lombardo & Carina Marino
MANAGING EDITOR Anthony Gandolfo
EDITORIAL
MANAGING EDITOR Anthony Gandolfo
ENGLISH EDITOR Marianne Peri-Sack
BUSINESS
ENGLISH EDITOR Marianne Peri-Sack
COPY EDITOR Amanda Coyne
BUSINESS MANAGER
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Courtney Kamm
COPY EDITOR Courtney Kamm-Finn ITALIA
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Salvatore Gandolfo
DIRETTORE PER ITALIA Salvatore Gandolfo
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2025 Article/Ad Deadlines December: November 14 2026
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
Official Photographer
Italian Heritage Parade and Festa
The Hill, St. Louis, MO
October 12, 2025
Miguel Carretero and Jen Luksza
Gus Torregrossa and Father Jack Siefert
Gus Torregrossa, Grand Marshal, Joe Vollmer and Gregory. F. X. Daly Collector of Revenue for St. Louis
Chief of the St. Louis Fire Department, Dennis M. Jenkerson and Michelle, Ann Rodini, Gus Torregrossa and Lieutenant Colonel Kriesmann
Gus Torregrossa, Vinny, Angela, Josie and Angelina Torregrossa, Annie Gitto, Robin and Anthony Meyer, Jenna, Anna, Marie, Paige, Gianna and Sofia Marino and Tyler Browser
General of Italy in New York, highlighting the institutional recognition of GEF’s mission.
GEF’s president, Simona Rodano, an internationally renowned performer and educator, described the vision: “We want every child to discover not only a language but also a culture that becomes part of their identity and growth.”
Vice President Dr. Claudia Calí echoed this sentiment: “The foundation is a bridge between Italy and the United States and a platform for teachers, schools, and families who believe that learning a language through culture and the arts is a powerful tool for shaping the citizens of tomorrow.”
Trustee Morris Borea, attorney and long-time supporter of Italian educational initiatives, added, “The Global EduLanguage Foundation represents a vital opportunity to promote the Italian language in multicultural settings, ensuring that young people experience both the richness of Italian heritage and the values of diversity and inclusion, making them appreciate the true Italian experience.”
The launch marks the start of a new chapter for Italian language education in
the United States. With future programs and collaborations already underway, GEF is set to become a key force in nurturing cultural appreciation and global connections through education and the arts.
Legend of the Statue Documentary Earns Global Recognition and Multiple Accolades
Legend of the Statue, a compelling short documentary produced in collaboration with Diveheart, explores the profound journey of war veteran and adaptive scuba diver Gabe Spataro. The film tells the inspiring story of Gabe’s role in installing the legendary “Christ of the Deep” statue in the 1960s and his remarkable return to diving decades later—after losing his sight. Now blind, Gabe rediscovers the underwater marvel he helped bring to life, thanks to Diveheart’s adaptive diving programs.
Legend of the Statue combines powerful storytelling, stunning underwater footage, and heartfelt interviews to celebrate resilience, community, and healing—earning acclaim and awards at top international film festivals. The documentary is now available to watch on YouTube, making this inspiring story accessible to audiences around the world. News articles and more background on Gabe’s story are also available on Diveheart’s website. Official Selections & Award Highlights
• One Ocean Film Tour (Official Selection)
• International Christian Film and Musical Festival (Official Selection)
• Best Shorts Competition (Official Selection)
• Chicago Indie Film Awards (Official Selection)
• LA Film Week (Official Selection)
• Venice Shorts (Official Selection)
• Cine Paris (Official Selection)
• New York Film & Cinematography Awards (Best Cinematography in Short Documentary)
• New York Film & Cinematography Awards (Best Short Documentary)
Diveheart Founder’s Statement
“Seeing Gabe Spataro return to the ocean and reunite with the statue he helped install is one of the most powerful moments in Diveheart’s history,” said Jim Elliott, founder and president of Diveheart. “His journey embodies everything Diveheart stands for—resilience, healing, and the power of possibility. This film reminds the world that disability doesn’t define a person’s ability to inspire or make an impact.”
About Diveheart
Diveheart is a nonprofit organization that uses scuba therapy to build confidence, independence, and self-esteem in children, veterans, and adults with disabilities. By enabling adaptive divers like Gabe Spataro to rediscover their capabilities beneath the surface, Diveheart opens the door to transformative experiences that change lives.
by Carina Marino
Submit content to info@ilpensiero.net before November 14, 2025 to be featured in the December issue. We look forward to receiving your announcements! Thank you
BIRTHDAYS
Michael Cannito - 70
Daniela Fritsch
Louis Marino
Peter Marino
Francesco Sheldon
A Special Note:
I am very thankful for you, reader.
Carina Marino and the Il Pensiero staff
Read With Alexandra (RWA)
By Alexandra Marino-Durmišević
“The Villa” By Rachel Hawkins
If you’re like me, you will pick up a book based on its cover. I know we are told not to, but this book cover is gorgeous. Check it out for yourself. Cozy up on the couch for this one. It’s finally my favorite season to read!
Two best friends (more like frenemies) take a girls’ trip to Orvieto, Italy. Emily and Chess grew up together and lost touch as they got older. Hoping to reconnect and get away, they book a 6-week stay at Villa Aestas. They are hoping to rest,
recharge, and focus on their next novels, as both are writers.
The Villa, formerly known as Villa Rosato, was the scene of a famous rock star’s murder in 1974. Emily and Chess learn more about that fateful day from the housekeeper, but Emily finds a manuscript of a novel that was never published. As they work, they work through their complicated relationship; Emily may have the key to solve this “whodunnit.”
Check back in December for more!
La NIAF celebra il suo 50º anniversario con John Elkann e Andrea Bocelli
La National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) ha celebrato sabato sera, al Washington Hilton, il suo storico 50th Anniversary Gala: una serata memorabile che ha segnato mezzo secolo di impegno nella promozione della cultura italiana e nel rafforzamento delle relazioni tra Italia e Stati Uniti.
L’evento ha riunito oltre 2.500 ospiti in un’atmosfera di grande eleganza e orgoglio condiviso — un simbolo concreto dell’amicizia e dei valori comuni che legano i due Paesi.
«Questa celebrazione d’oro ha evidenziato quanto siano vitali i rapporti tra Italia e Stati Uniti, e il ruolo centrale che la NIAF continua a svolgere come ponte culturale tra le nostre due nazioni — oggi più forte che mai», ha dichiarato Robert
Allegrini, Presidente e CEO della NIAF. Tra gli ospiti istituzionali erano presenti il Vice Presidente della Camera dei Deputati, On. Giorgio Mulé, Ministro del Turismo On. Daniela Santanché, il Ministro per i Rapporti con il Parlamento On. Luca Ciriani e il Vice Ministro all’Ambiente e sicurezza energetica, On. Vannia Gava, la cui partecipazione ha testimoniato l’impegno dell’Italia nel consolidare i legami culturali e diplomatici con gli Stati Uniti. Ha preso parte alla serata anche S.E. Marco Peronaci, Ambasciatore d’Italia negli Stati Uniti d’America, sottolineando ancora una volta la solidità della partnership tra i due Paesi.
Protagonista del gala è stata la Regione Lazio, celebrata per il suo straordinario patrimonio artistico, culturale ed economico, emblema dell’influenza e della creatività italiana nel mondo. Francesco Rocca, Presidente della Regione, ha rivolto un messaggio agli ospiti ricordando l’impegno del Lazio nel promuovere relazioni culturali e istituzionali sempre più strette con gli Stati Uniti.
I premi assegnati nel corso della serata hanno reso omaggio all’eccellenza e all’innovazione italiana nei campi dell’imprenditoria, della scienza, dell’istruzione e delle arti.
Il tenore Andrea Bocelli ha ricevuto il NIAF Dea Roma Lifetime Achievement Award in Entertainment, riconoscimento alla sua carriera straordinaria. Bocelli ha incantato il pubblico con una speciale esibizione di tre brani, offrendo uno dei momenti più emozionanti della serata.
John Elkann, CEO di Exor N.V., Presidente di Ferrari N.V. e Stellantis N.V., è stato insignito del Special Achievement Award come Global Business Leader 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.
Bring this to your Thanksgiving!
Continued from page 7 per la sua visione e il suo contributo nel promuovere l’eccellenza imprenditoriale italiana su scala mondiale.
Sono stati inoltre premiati con i NIAF Dea Roma Special Achievement Awards:
• Flavio Cattaneo, CEO di Enel Group, per la sua lunga e brillante carriera alla guida di importanti trasformazioni industriali;
• Roberto Cingolani, CEO & Direttore Generale di Leonardo S.p.A., per la leadership nel campo della difesa e della tecnologia aerospaziale;
• Stefano Antonio Donnarumma, CEO & Direttore Generale del Gruppo FS Italiane, per la visione nello sviluppo infrastrutturale sostenibile e nell’innovazione del trasporto;
• Dr. Kamel Ghribi, Presidente di GKSD e Vicepresidente del Gruppo San Donato, per la sua visione e il suo impegno nell’innovazione e nella ricerca sanitaria;
• Doug Leone, Partner di Sequoia Capital, per il suo impatto globale nel venture capital e nella promozione dell’innovazione;
• Dr. Katia Passerini,
27ª Presidente della Gonzaga University, per il contributo pionieristico nel campo dell’educazione universitaria.
Tra i momenti più emblematici della serata, un segmento dedicato alla Lega Serie A ha messo in risalto la collaborazione tra la NIAF e il massimo campionato italiano
di calcio, con la partecipazione della leggenda Alessandro Del Piero e l’annuncio del vincitore dei NIAF/De Laurentiis Film
Continued on page 12
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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.
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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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Schedule Basic
Continued from page 8
Prizes, presentato da Aurelio De Laurentiis.
La serata ha visto anche la presentazione ufficiale di un francobollo commemorativo dedicato al 50º anniversario della Fondazione, a suggello di questa importante ricorrenza.
Un videomessaggio del comico italoamericano Sebastian Maniscalco ha aggiunto una nota di leggerezza e calore al programma della serata.
Parte dei proventi dell’evento sarà destinata a sostenere i programmi culturali ed educativi della NIAF, con l’obiettivo di proseguire la missione della Fondazione e trasmetterne l’eredità alle generazioni future.
Soap Box Derby
The Hill
St. Louis, MO
June 8, 2025
photos by Colleen Dundon
The All-American Soap Box Derby is a youth racing program for boys and girls ages 7-18 to compete in the Stock or Super Stock divisions. The race down Macklind Ave. on The Hill, between Botanical and Shaw and has been for over 15+ years.
75th
Anniversary of the 1950 World Cup
The Hill
St. Louis, MO
June 24, 2025
photos by St. Louis CITY SC
The match where the U.S. upset England… Five of the 11 players were from St. Louis, Missouri, with four from The
Glen Pariani, son of Gino Pariani, Teresa Borghi, daughter of Frank Borghi and Ty Keough, son of Harry Keough
Giro Della Montagna The Hill
St. Louis, MO
August 31, 2025
photos by Greg Key
The historical backdrop of The Hill neighborhood, coupled with fierce cyclist competition, draws hundreds of spectators for the Giro, making it a favorite stop of the Gateway Cup. Giro was started in 1986 and was the brainchild of lifetime Hill resident, Joe Torrisi.
Since then, the Giro has become the cornerstone of the Gateway Cup. The Hill is pleased to host the event and looks forward to many more years of Giro, Giro, Giro!
Italian Heritage Parade and Festa
The Hill St. Louis, MO
October 12, 2025
photos by Colleen Dundon
This year, we invited all Italian American families to take part in the parade and carry forward the legacy of those who helped shape our vibrant neighborhood. Whether you were honoring your great-grandparents or celebrating your own Italian roots, we loved seeing you there!
We came together for a day full of tradition, pride, and good old-fashioned Italian joy. We ate, danced, celebrated—The Hill was the place to be!
Hill.