As Vice President for Community Relations at St. John's
University, I represent St. John's in a variety of activities in
our Queens and Staten Island communities. Outside of the
University, I have been a member of the Order Sons of Italy in
America since September 29, 1968 and have served as a local lodge
president, state president and now as the national president of the
OSIA.
We of the OSIA have responded to so very many international
disaster tragedies, etc., over the past 100 years by raising needed
funds for the restoration of cities and towns throughout Italy. We
have given extensively to Catholic Relief Services in this regard.
In 2005, OSIA celebrates its 100th anniversary, but is saddened
by the loss of the Holy Father who blessed us many times
during his papacy.
Perhaps one of my most special experiences is that I was ever so
close to the Holy Father, holding his hand when OSIA met him in
Italy for its 99th anniversary:
"It was my privilege to kneel and personally meet the Holy
Father on April 28, 2004 following an outdoor papal audience, at
which time there were some 100 members of the Order Sons (and
Daughters) of Italy in America joining me on the occasion of our
99th anniversary. We were the only such fraternal ethnic
organization announced as a visiting group to His Holiness. I
can still feel the grasp of his hand as he stated so clearly: "God
bless you and all of the members of the Sons of Italy in
America."
For that special blessing I will be forever grateful,
but moreover receiving it from a person who was always so very well
welcomed by the Italian American community, especially during his
visits to America. Since perhaps 95% or more of Italian
Americans are Roman Catholics, I know that we all embraced His
Holiness from the day of election in 1978. We all pray for him
and ask for God's blessings upon his eternal reward. Pope John
Paul II has truly touched our lives in special ways as the world's
foremost leader in the realm of religion, government and diplomacy.
He truly will be remembered forever, and as we have long heard he
will be soon called "John Paul the Great." Indeed, we have been a
privileged generation to have witnessed his leadership and strength
of conviction. May he rest in peace!
St.
John’s University Mourns the Passing of Pope John Paul II,
1920-2005