Italian Heritage and Cultural Month kicked off at St. John's
University in Marillac Hall Auditorium Thursday, September 23,
with "A Salute to
Amerigo Vespucci", one of the early explorers of the New
World. The Office of Community Relations in cooperation with
the Honorable Helen Marshall, President of the Borough of Queens,
presented Citations of Honor to five distinguished Italian
Americans for their contributions to the community:
- Philip P. Agusta
- Most Rev. Ignatius Catanello
- Joseph Di Martino
- Berardo Paradiso
- Gina M. Villani, MD
The evening began with a welcome by Joseph Sciame, Vice
President of Community Relations and Chair of the Queens County
IHCM Committee, Inc. The American and Italian National
Anthems were sung by Caterina Curatolo, an international
entertainer.
The evening's program included salutations by Cav. Louis
Carnesecca, Chair of the Italian Cultural Center; Comm. Angelo
Gimondo, Ph.D., Chair of NYC, IHCM and Antonio Bandini, Consul
General of Italy. The invocation was given by Most Rev.
Ignatius Catanello and citations were presented by Honorable Helen
Marshall, President of the Borough of Queens.
Guests of the evening enjoyed Il Concerto: "Navi Che Partono" -
"An Evening of Tribute to Explorer Amerigo Vespucci" by SUN,
a Sicilian Musical Group from Italy. Guests of this event
gathered in Marillac Terrace after the performance for Italian
cuisine, desserts and cappucino.
Special thanks go out to the
Executive Committee and Sponsors of this event.