Vol. 53 ▪ No. 2 Washington D.C.
February 2014 $1.50
An Italian American Gazette of the Greater Washington D.C. Area
Sondaggio ISTAT: L'Italia è Celebrating Carnevale: From Venice to Washington D.C. di nuovo un paese di emigranti A carnevale ogni scherzo vale--anything goes at Carnevale time. L'Italia torna ad essere Paese di emigranti e registra un calo dei flussi immigratori: è la fotografia scattata dall'Istat nel sondaggio "Migrazioni internazionali e interne della popolazione residente". Sul fronte immigrazione, "secondo lo studio, nel 2012 gli immigrati in Italia sono 351 mila, 35 mila in meno rispetto all'anno precedente (-9,1%). Il calo delle iscrizioni dall'estero è dovuto in larga parte al numero di ingressi dei cittadini stranieri, che scende da 354 mila nel 2011 a 321 mila nel 2012. Nello stesso anno, si osserva anche una contrazione delle iscrizioni dall'estero dei cittadini italiani (da 31 mila a 29 mila unità). Tra gli immigrati la comunità più rappresentata è quella rumena che conta quasi 82 mila ingressi, seguita da quelle cinese (20 mila), marocchina (circa 20 mila) e albanese (14 mila). Crescono invece gli ingressi di cittadini africani (+1,2%), di alcune cittadinanze asiatiche e, soprattutto, di quelle comunità soggette a conflitti bellici nei Paesi di origine (Nigeria, Pakistan, Mali e Costa d'Avorio). Sul fronte emigrazione, in base ai dati Istat, nel Continua a pagina 2
Carnevale parade in Viareggio
Carnevale in Venice
by Francesco Isgrò
Carnevale is celebrated with gusto in many countries around the globe, from along the canals of Venice, to the streets of Rio de Janiero, to the squares of New Orleans, as millions take to the streets in a public revelry that includes processions, music, spontaneous dancing, and the donning of masquerades. In Venice, this year’s Carnevale theme is ‟La Natura Fantastica,” and the celebration runs from February 15 until March 4. It is said that more than 30,000 visitors come to Venice each day during Carnevale. The masks they wear are beautiful and frightening, simple and ornate, tasteful and gaudy. As the saying goes, ‟A
carnevale ogni scherzo vale.” (Anything goes at Carnevale time.) The Tuscan city of Viareggio, with its parade of floats and sea of masks--usually depicting caricatures of politicians, celebrities, athletes--rivals the festivities in Venice. The Viareggio Carnevale parade dates back to 1873 and is now considered among the most renowned carnival celebrations in Europe. This year, on March 1, Casa Italiana will be the site of its own Carnevale celebration. The Lucchesi nel Mondo-Tuscany Club and the Abruzzo and Molise Heritage Society have combined forces to present Continued on page 5
‟Three Wise Women” Recognized by Women’s Group Every January, the National Organization of Italian American Women’s Washington D.C. chapter holds an Epiphany Celebration to honor “Three Wise Women” who have excelled in their fields. At this year’s event, the organization’s honorees were Laura Benedetti, Anita Botti and Carol Acinapura Trawick. Laura Benedetti chairs the Italian Department at Georgetown University and also
teaches Contemporary Italian Culture. Before joining Georgetown, she taught at Harvard University for eight years. She is the author of numerous scholarly works and her book The Tigress in the Snow: Motherhood and Literature in 20th-century Italy has received international recognition. Her translation of Lucrezia Marinella’s Exhortations to Women and to Others If They Please made the volume publicly available for the first time since its original edition in 1645.
INSIDE
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Salvatore Guadagna 3
Futurismo at the Guggenheim 3
Fr. Lydio Tomasi 7
Address service requested Voce Italiana Holy Rosary Church 595 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001-2703
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Washington D.C., February 2014
Bankitalia: ricchi sempre più ricchi, crolla reddito famiglie
A 10% famiglie quasi metà ricchezza In Italia metà delle famiglie vive con meno di 2.000 euro al mese. È quanto emerge da un'indagine della Banca d'Italia secondo cui la distribuzione dei redditi resta sempre asimmetrica. In particolare, solo la metà delle famiglie ha un reddito annuo superiore ai 24.590 euro (circa 2.000 euro al mese), mentre un 20% conta su un reddito addirittura inferiore ai 14.457 euro (1.200 euro al mese). Il 10% delle famiglie a più alto reddito, invece, percepisce più di 55.211 euro. La ricchezza, inoltre, è sempre più concentrata. Secondo l'indagine, il 10% delle famiglie più ricche possiede il 46,6% della ricchezza netta totale (45,7% nel 2010). La quota di famiglie con ricchezza negativa è invece aumentata al 4,1% dal 2,8% del 2010. La concentrazione della ricchezza è pari al 64%.
An Italian American Gazette of the Greater Washington DC Area Published ten times per year by Holy Rosary Church/Casa ltaliana Editor-in-Chief
Rev. Ezio Marchetto, C.S.
Executive Editor Francesco Isgrò
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La crisi picchia, dunque, sulle famiglie: tra il 2010 e il 2012 il reddito familiare medio in termini nominali è diminuito del 7,3%, mentre la ricchezza media del 6,9%. È salita, invece, la povertà pseudoassoluta passando dal 14% del 2010 al 16% nel 2012. Un povero su tre è immigrato. Nell'indagine biennale sui bilanci delle famiglie, Bankitalia individua la soglia di povertà con un reddito di 7.678 euro netti l'anno (15.300 euro per una famiglia di 3 persone).
Esame AP d'Italiano: corso gratuito a Casa Italiana Giovedi 15 maggio 2014, alle ore 12:00, è la data stabilita per le prove d’esame AP d’italiano. L’Ente Gestore Casa Italiana Language School in collaborazione con l’associazione le D.I.V.E. offre un corso gratuito di preparazione a tutti gli studenti che possiedono una buona competenza linguistica in italiano e che intendono presentarsi all’esame come privatisti.
Informazioni sul corso
• Docente: Prof.ssa Maria Grazia Cavallini • N. ore d’insegnamento : 6
• Date: 4 aprile, 25 aprile, 9 maggio • Orario: dalle 17:00 alle 19:00 • Località: Casa Italiana Language School, 595 3rd Street NW, D.C. 20001 • Termine per le adesioni: 15 marzo 2014 Tutti gli studenti che intendono partecipare al corso sono pregati di inviare la propria adesione a: entegestoredc@ gmail.com Indicando: nome, cognome, grado, scuola di appartenenza e recapito telefonico.
Italia paese di emigranti - i dati ISTAT
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2012 si contano 106 mila cancellazioni per l'estero, con un incremento di 24 mila unità rispetto all'anno precedente. L'aumento delle emigrazioni è dovuto principalmente ai cittadini italiani, per i quali le cancellazioni passano da 50 mila nel 2011 a 68 mila unità nel 2012 (+36%). In aumento anche le cancellazioni di cittadini stranieri residenti, da 32 mila a 38 mila unità (+18%). Il saldo migratorio netto con l'estero è pari a 245 mila unità nel 2012, in diminuzione rispetto all'anno precedente Email: Jplamari@msn.com Web: AttorneyLamari.com
JOSEPH P. LAMARI ATTORNEY AT LAW 414 HUNGERFORD DRIVE
SUITE 404 ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND 20850 (301) 762-2018 FAX: (301) 762-0999
(-19,4%). Si tratta del valore più basso registrato dal 2007. Le principali mete di destinazione per gli italiani sono la Germania, la Svizzera, il Regno Unito e la Francia che, nel loro insieme, accolgono quasi la metà dei flussi in uscita. Le migrazioni da e per l'estero di cittadini italiani con più di 24 anni di età (pari a 21 mila iscrizioni e 53 mila cancellazioni) riguardano per oltre un quarto del totale individui in possesso di laurea. La meta preferita dei laureati è la Germania. (aise)
Noted Briefly... ►As Italy searches for revenue and jobs, Rome is moving to ease rules for oil companies to drill on Italy's rich crude reserves--the third-largest in Europe. Eni SpA, the country's giant oil company is ramping up its rigs in the southern region of Basilicata. To counter local resistance, Rome is giving regional governments a greater share of the spoils.
►FIAT SpA announced that its acquisition of the final stake in Chrysler is now complete, making the U.S. car company its wholly-owned subsidiary. The challenge for chief executive officer, Sergio Marchionne is to meld the two companies' production, engineering and sales. ►The International Culinary Center in N.Y. was the recent site of the 7th annual "Giornata mondiale delle cucine italiane." Hundreds of restaurateurs, culinary writers and food lovers gathered to celebrate the most simple and delicious item on the Italian table: spaghetti with tomato sauce and basil. The event was linked via television to restaurants around the world as chefs prepared the iconic dish, al dente of course.
►American conductor Sir Gilbert Levine will conduct an orchestra and two choirs in a May 5, 2014 concert in Washington D.C. to celebrate the canonization of Blessed John XXIII and Blessed John Paul II. The concert will come a week after Pope Francis canonizes the popes during an April 27 Mass at the Vatican. ►Claudio Abbado, the Italian conductor who led some of Europe's most venerated orchestras, passed away in Bologna at age 80. Among the most revered conductors of postwar Italy, Abbado respected tradition but did not fear avant-garde works of more modern composers. The Washington Post wrote that, "His quiet charisma and boundless musical curiosity helped propel him to the most prestigious artistic appointments in Europe."
Washington D.C., February 2014
Chattanooga Choo Choo’s Harry Warren Was Born Salvatore Guadagna
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Composer of That’s Amore, At Last and hundreds of other famous songs was son of Italian immigrants
by Generoso D’Agnese His music delighted millions of Americans during the 20th century, and his songs are still recorded today. During his lifetime he published more than 500 songs, 21 of which were at the top of the Hit Parade. He won three Academy Awards for best song and was nominated for eleven Oscars. Yet, Harry Warren, the prolific composer of famous tunes like That's Amore, I Only Have Eyes for You, At Last, The More I See You, is largely unknown. Even less known is the fact that Harry Warren was born Salvatore Antonio Guadagna, one of eleven children of Rachel De Luca and Antonio Guadagna, a shoemaker. Born in an Italian section of Brooklyn on Christmas Eve 1893, Sal showed an early interest in music and taught himself to play his father's accordion, and eventually the drums and the piano as well. As did many Italian immigrants who wanted to fit into their adopted country, Sal's father changed the family name to Warren. Harry learned to read music by singing in church and at 16 he quit school to join the circus as a drummer.
In 1915 he was hired by the Vitagraph Movie Studio in New York. He married Josephine Wensler in 1917 and entered the Navy the following year. It was while he was in uniform that he began to write music.
Salvatore Guadagna
After a stint as a music scout, Warren got his first break in 1922 when his song Rose of the Rio Grande became a hit. His career took off. By 1929, he was respected enough to become director of the American Society of Composers,
Authors and Advertising (ASCAP), a job he held until 1932. He went to work at Warner Brothers in the 1930s and together with lyricist Al Dubin, wrote the score for the first blockbuster film musical 42nd Street, directed by Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler. The film became the first in a line of equally famous Broadway musicals that brought further fame to the Italian from Brooklyn. Paired with Dubin, Warren was hired by Busby Berkeley productions, and he continued to churn out unforgettable music sung by some of the best singers of the era: Al Johlson, Ginger Rogers, Joan Blondell, Eddie Cantor, The Mills Brothers, Dolores Del Rio, Rudy Vallee and others. In 1940 he moved to 20th Century Fox and began to collaborate with Glenn Miller, Shirley Temple, Carmen Miranda, Harry James and other great performers of the pre-war years. Within three years he composed 70 songs. His most successful collaboration was with Glenn Miller, for whom he wrote, together with Mack Gordon, Chattanooga Choo Choo, a song that sold over one million copies, becoming the first “gold record” in the history of
Unprecedented Exhibition of Italian Futurist Art at Guggenheim
The first comprehensive U.S. showing of the influential Italian movement “Italian Futurism, 1909-1944: Reconstructing the Universe,” the first comprehensive overview in the United States of one of Europe’s most important 20th-century avant-garde movements can be seen at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City from February 21 through September 1, 2014. The show features more than 360 works by some 80 artists, architects, designers, photographers and writers of the Futurism movement. Many of the works have never before traveled outside of Italy. In a rare coup, the show includes the first loan of five major Futurist murals from the central post office in Palermo, Sicily, where they have hung since the 1930s. Futurism began in Italy as a literary movement in the years before World
War I, with the publication of the first Futurist manifesto by Filippo Tommaso Marinetti. In it, the artist outlined the movement’s key aims: to abolish the past, to champion modernization and to extol aggression. It was a time of rapid technological change, political turmoil and economic growth and futurist artists often depicted images of machinery, speed and industry. Futurism soon embraced not only the visual and literary but advertising, fashion, music and theater as well. Futurism’s founders and proponents intended it to become an entirely new way of life. Eventually, the movement evolved to have broader political implications, including a link to the Fascist party. Mussolini, for example, commissioned the five murals in the Palermo post
Umberto Boccioni's Unique Forms of Continuity in Space
music. He repeated his success in 1943 with You'll Never Know, which also sold went gold. Warren then moved to MGM, writing two versions of the Ziegfeld Follies. A few years later, he won an Academy Award award for On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe. By now his name guaranteed success both in Hollywood and on Broadway. Bing Crosby, Jerry Lewis, Gene Kelly, Esther Williams, all drew abundantly from his inexhaustible imagination. He even composed a Mass in Latin in 1962, which was performed at Loyola Marymount University a decade later. By the mid-1960s, however, with the advent of rock-and-roll and the changing music scene, the popularity of his songs declined, although singers like Frank Sinatra and Etta James later had great success with their recordings of his I Only Have Eyes for You, and At Last, respectively. Warren's last major work came in 1980 with Manhattan Melody, when he was 86. He died in September 1981 and is buried in Westwood Memorial Park in Los Angeles. A theater in Brooklyn, N.Y. bears his name.
office, which depict and celebrate multiple modes of communication enable by technological innovations. Over the course of the Futurism era more than 2,000 individuals were associated with the movement, artists like Giacomo Balla, Benedetta, Umberto Boccioni and Fortunato Depero, writers Francesco Cangiullo and Rosa Rosà, architect Antonio Sant’Elia, composer Luigi Russolo, and numerous photographers, dancers and artisans. The exhibition is organized by Vivien Greene, a Washington D.C. native, who is the senior curator of 19th and early 20th-century art at the Guggenheim. It is made possible with the support of the Lavazza company. A 350-page catalogue accompanies the exhibit and features the work of nearly 30 scholars to help understand this major avant-garde movement of the 20th century.
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Washington D.C., February 2014
COMMUNITY NEWS
‟Three Wise Women” Recognized by Italian-American Women’s Group Continued from page 1
Anita Botti began her career at the Department of State in 1985 and is currently chief of staff and deputy in the secretary’s office of Global Women’s Issues. She has served as chair of the U.S. Interagency Task Force on Trafficking in Human Beings, developing anti-trafficking strategy and working with Congress to gain passage of the “Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000.” She has also served on the board of Private Agencies Cooperating Together and has received numerous awards, including the Department of State’s Director General’s Cup. Carol Acinapura Trawick is cofounder of the Jim and Carol Trawick Foundation, whose mission is to help local health and human service, and arts non-profit organizations reach the neediest. She is vice chair of the
Maryland States Arts Council and has served as chair of organizations, such as the Bethesda Urban Partnership Board of Directors and the B-CC Chamber of Commerce. Among her many awards, she is the recipient of the 2013 Rose Nix Distinguished Community Leadership Award. “We are so thrilled to have such wonderful honorees who have excelled in their chosen careers. These women are wonderful role models for young women, especially those of Italian American heritage,” said Diana Femia, president of the greater Washington D.C. region of NOIAW. The organization was founded in 1980 and currently has a membership of more than 1,000. Its goal is to promote the accomplishments of Italian American women and support the educational and professional advancement of women of Italian ancestry.
Carol Acinapura Trawick, Laura Benedetti, Anita Botti, Diana Femia
Giornata della Memoria in Ambasciata a Washington Pino Cicala Winner Amerigo Prize 2013 L’Ambasciata d’Italia negli Stati Uniti, in collaborazione con l’Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Washington, ha
The Italian Embassy's photo installation by Italian artist Lisa Borgiani is a series of colored images shot sequentially amidst 2,711 grey slabs evoking the headstones of murdered Jews. The disorienting effect through the camera lens is intended. The visitor is alone, facing the memory of the genocide in a ephemeral place.
organizzato il 28 gennaio, un concerto ed una mostra fotografica per commemorare la Giornata della Memoria nella capitale americana. L’esposizione, dal titolo “Memories and Light”, ha presentato opere dell’artista italiana Lisa Borgiani ispirate al “Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe”, che include oltre 2000 lapidi di cemento a ricordo delle vittime dell’Olocausto. Il concerto, che ha visto protagonista il duo Caroline Helton (soprano) and Kathryn Goodson (piano), ha proposto il repertorio musicale di alcuni compositori ebrei-italiani del 20esimo secolo le cui musiche andarono perse a causa delle leggi razziali del 1938. “La luce della memoria e l’eterno suono della musica sono il simbolo della speranza, in contrapposizione al buio e al silenzio della persecuzione”, ha detto l’Ambasciatore d’Italia a Washington, Claudio Bisogniero. “Commemorare i milioni di vittime dell’Olocausto rimane un atto fondamentale – ha egli continuato - affinche’ nessuno, neppure le generazioni future possano dimenticare”.
Recognized for his 55-years of Radio Antenna Italia The Amerigo Association recently awarded Pino Cicala the prestigious 2013 Premio Amerigo for his Italian American Radio Program, Radio Antenna Italia. In announcing the award, the Association noted that for more that 55 year Pino's radio and TV programs have provided an important service to the Italian-American community of Washington and beyond. While in its early years, Pino's program helped immigrants assimilate into American life, in more recent times it has evolved into an indispensable support for the promotion of the Italian culture and language. Over the years, the program has also introduced Italian cultural traditions and products at events organized at the Italian Embassy and the Italian Cultural Institute, particularly during the 1980s when Pino was still producing his televised program. (Today, you can tune into Antenna Italia with Pino Cicala every Sunday on his website: www.amico.com.) The 2013 Premio Amerigo for general journalism was awarded to distinguished Italian journalist Gianni Riotta. The official ceremony took place
Pino Cicala
in Florence in December in Florence, with the participation of, among others, U.S. Consul General Sarah Craddock Morrison, and Vito Cozzoli, National President of Amerigo. Pino Cicala joins 2011 Amerigo winner Oscar Bartoli, who publishes the widely-read blog, Letter from Washington. Voce Italiana extends its congratulations to Pino Cicala for the well-deserved international recognition. --F. Isgro
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Washington D.C., February 2014
Carnevale 2014 at Casa Italiana: ‟I famosi italiani nel mondo” Continued from page 1
Carnevale 2014, with the theme of, "I Famosi Italiani nel Mondo." Guests are invited to use their imagination and dress as their favorite Italian or ItalianAmerican celebrities or characters, such as Pinocchio, Garibaldi, Madonna, or Sophia Loren, for example. Carnevale starts 40 days before Easter and ends on Shrove or Fat Tuesday (Martedi Grasso), the day before Ash Wednesday. The tradition began as a way to celebrate before the arrival of the solemn period of Lent, which calls for periods of fasting. Originally, the partying was a way to use up rich foods and meat before Lent. In fact, the name Carnevale may come from the Latin “carne vale,” or “farewell to meat.” In Venice, the annual festivities date back to at least the 1200s, although Carnevale has not taken place there every year since then. However, it has been an annual occurrence since its revival by the Italian government in the 1970s. Wearing masks has a long tradition in Venice. It became a method of personal expression across the social
Carnevale at Casa Italiana
hierarchy. With a mask to hide their identity, members of the lower classes were able to rub shoulders with the aristocracy, and vice versa. Masks have
Memorial Tribute to Joe Grano Draws 200 On January 19, about 200 people gathered at Casa Italiana to pay tribute to Italian-American activist Joe Grano, who passed away in November. Aside from formal eulogies delivered by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and other officials, many friends lined up to share their memories of him, includ-
ing a young lady who said she often saw Joe tending his plot at the community garden. All reiterated how much he will be missed. Joe was instrumental in promoting Italian Americans like Constantino Brumidi, and in supporting the cause of statehood for the District of Columbia.
Memorial tribute to Joe Grano at Casa Italiana
historically played a large role in Venetian society, and mask makers even enjoyed a special position in society, with their own laws and their own guild. The celebration of Carnevale 2014 at Casa Italiana on Saturday, March 1 at 6 p.m. will include appetizers, a pasta bar, dessert and drinks. The evening will feature dancing to music by DJ Mike Del Borrello, costume contests, and games. Tickets are $50 for members of the Lucchesi nel Mondo and the Abruzzo and Molise Heritage Society and $55 for nonmembers. For more information, contact Tricia Maltagliati at 301-706-7785; email: triciamalt@yahoo.com.
LEARNING TO SPEAK CARNEVALESE La bauta -- mask covering the entire face, used in Vencie Il carnevalino -- First Sunday in Lent Il carnevalone -- Four days before the First Sunday in Lent Il carro -- float La cartapesta -- papier-mache (used for masks) Le cenere -- ashes Chiacchiere -- traditional Carnevale pastries, meaning literally "chit-chat" I coriandoli -- confetti thrown during parades Martedi Grasso -- Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras La maschera -- mask La Quaresima -- Lent La sfilata -- parade
Parishioner Mary Rubino Receives Papal Blessing As Mary Fran Rubino tells Voce Italiana, "We couldn't believe we met Pope Francis. Just went in the 'wrong' line or was it fate?" The chance encounter took place last spring when she visited the Vatican with her wheel-chair bound mother, also named Mary Rubino. Pope Francis blessed her mother and Mary Fran re-
cently shared the news that, "With Pope Francis's blessing my mother is walking with a cane." Last December, she added, the elder Mary even attended the Holy Rosary Church Centennial dinner. Mary Rubino, a longtime parishioner, was once a Sunday School teacher at Holy Rosary.
Pope Francis blesses Mary Rubino (in wheel chair) as daughter Mary Fran looks on.
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Washington D.C., February 2014 Editor-in-Chief: Fr. Ezio Marchetto, C.S. Executive Editor: Francesco Isgrò
Founded in 1960 An Italian American Gazette of the Greater Washington D.C. Area
Editorial Board: Pino Cicala, Enrico Davoli, Dona De Sanctis, Anna Isgrò, Gemma Puglisi, Fred Rotondaro Board of Trustees: Franco Nuschese, Stephanie Razzano, Beatrice Tierney
Voce Italiana
T
The Rational and the Irrational
here are currently 33 television How do you measure the love between shows on paranormal two people? How can you explain the activities, and in recent years power of a song to move you to tears there have been 26 television series or to dance? Why does someone stand about vampires and 47 about ghosts. transfixed in front of a painting while The list of “unscientific” another passes by with shows on television and in hardly a look? “The more the movies goes on and on. To humbly recognize The fascination with we are open to the the inability of science the occult is undeniable. ‘spiritual’ world, and technology to The word comes from the the scientifically answer all the inquiries Latin occultus, meaning of the human mind unexplainable, “clandestine, hidden, is, at the same time, the more we secret,” and in common a recognition of the English usage, refers celebrate our being greatness of a person. to “knowledge of the There are realities that human.” paranormal,” as opposed we embrace as definitive to “knowledge of the human qualities, such measurable,” usually referred to as as an appreciation of beauty, art, talent science. and love, which transcend scientific It seems that the more society claims explanation. Yet, they define us as a to be “rational” the more it is attracted human being. by the “irrational.” On one hand, we In terms of religion, I find puzzling assume that science can provide us with the attitude of people who call an explanation for everything; on the themselves “agnostic.” They are usually other hand we are fascinated by what people who love, appreciate many art cannot be explained by reason or by forms and recognize beauty. Now, none entities that only exist in fantasy. of these realities can be explained from The reality is that while we pretend a rational point of view, and yet they to be rational people, and we champion accept them readily. the success of science and technology, Why, then, are they closing as human beings we are continuously themselves to the reality of the divine challenged by non-rational realities that as the constitutive element of who we cannot be explained scientifically. are as human beings? I believe that the To go a little further, we have to more we are open to the “spiritual” recognize that the most beautiful human world, the scientifically unexplainable, realities cannot be explained rationally. the more we celebrate our being human.
Virginia Lawmakers Introduce Bills to Stop Human Trafficking We applaude Virginia lawmakers who have introduced anti-human trafficking bills in the current legislative session. The term "human trafficking" currently is not defined by Virginia law, and Virginia is one of only two states that do not have a comprehnesive human traf-
ficking statute. In his recent address to the diplomatic corps, Pope Francis said that world peace requires the defense of human dignity from violations such as world hunger, abortion and human trafficking.
“Manifesting the Kingdom” Awards Announced During the Mass for the Epiphany celebrated at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington, presented “Manifesting the Kingdom Awards” to more than 200 Catholics in recognition of their exceptional service to their local churches. Among the honorees, were Holy Rosary parishioners Francesco
Isgro and Anna Isgro. Cardinal Wuerl stated that, “This award is the recognition of this Church of how important your ministry, your service, your faith, your love, your life is.” More than 1,000 people attended the Mass, the first of a year-long series of events to mark the 75th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Washington, which was established in 1939.
Pope Francis: Don't Let Anger Harden the Heart A heart hardened by anger and resentment is worse than being humble and reaching out to enemies to seek peace, Pope Francis said at a recent Mass. "Worse than trying to build a bridge (of understanding) with an adversary is to let the heart swell with rancor toward him," he said. Holding on to one's hatred and anger, rather than taking the first step toward peace, only renders people "isolated in the bitter broth of our resentment," as the Vatican Radio reported. Someone who is wronged or faces an enemy might be
tempted to retaliate, but the Christian response, said the Pope, is to choose the path of dialogue, which requires humility, meekness and becoming all things to all people. Such steps will force you to "swallow a lot of toads," that is, the bitter pill of humiliation. He added that taking the first step toward dialogue and beginning to build a bridge of understanding is not easy. "But we have to do it because that's how peace is made--with humility, humiliation, always trying to see the face of God in the other," he said.
The Lido Civic Club of Washington D.C. 1929-2014 Our 85th Year
Metropolitan Washington’s Premier Italian-American Business and Professional Men’s Organization
Francesco Isgrò, Esq., President
“To the end that American citizens of Italian descent or origin and their families may find a welcome and ready entrance into the social, civil and community life of Washington, D.C., and thus be helped in forming acquaintances and taking part in the activities of community life which leads to contentment and tends to make the new member more valuable to himself, his employer and his community; to perpetuate the bond of friendship and good will which has always existed between the American and Italian peoples....” (From the Preamble to the 1929 Lido Club Constitution)
www.lidocivicclub.com
Washington D.C., February 2014
Fr. Lydio Tomasi Returns to Center for Migration Studies Pastor emeritus reflects on his years at Holy Rosary Church
Fr. Lydio Tomasi
to deepen their understanding of the Church and the expanded role of the laity. Their knowledge of the Church grew through the transformation of Voce Italiana from a parish bulletin to a professional newspaper and through the use of Casa Italiana for meaningful social and cultural programs, especially after being equipped with modern technology. Much-needed improvements were accomplished: repairs of the bell tower; renovation of the rectory and the lower church hall; and, above all, renovation of the interior of Holy Rosary. The inclusive approach in the pastoral plan adopted by Holy Rosary vastly improved relations with the Embassy of Italy; with young Italians employed by the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the National Institute of Health; and also with members of various Italian-centric organizations and social clubs.
parishioners are very attached to their church; they respond generously to secure the necessary funds for building maintenance, a building they keep spotless and functional. In my vision, the Church is not a building but “the people of God,” a community of believers, a network of relationships. This approach encourages parishioners to bridge provincial differences among themselves and
What do you consider to be the most exciting events of your time at Holy Rosary? Without a doubt, the two most exciting events were the renovation of the church interior, bringing its original splendor, and the preparations and celebration of the 100th Anniversary. Some 900 people pre-registered for the gala at the National Building Museum. Among the guests were the present and past Archbishops of
Voce Italiana asked Fr. Lydio Tomasi to reflect on his time as Holy Rosary's pastor, before leaving for his new assignment at the Center for Migration Studies in New York City. As pastor of Holy Rosary Church for 6 ½ years, what have you discovered about the parish? As soon as I arrived in January 2006 to assume the pastorship of Holy Rosary Church, I discovered that the parish is somehow like Italy: deeply divided by provinces but strongly united by Italianità. The absence of a “Little Italy” forced Italians to spread throughout the Washington metropolitan area, forming a community without propinquity. I noticed this especially at the social period after Sunday Mass, where espresso, cappuccino, and doughnuts are served with a dose of gossip and local news. The beautiful hall of Casa Italiana has become de facto the square of the small towns from where parishioners trace their roots. When you arrived you no doubt had a vision in mind of changes that needed to be made. In what ways did Holy Rosary change during your tenure? When I was appointed pastor of Holy Rosary, I was eager to translate into practice the teachings of the Second Vatican Council. Holy Rosary
Explorers Emigrants Citizens: A Visual History of Italian Americans New book draws from Library of Congress's image collection Explorers Emigrants Citizens, a new book by Linda Barrett Osborne and Paolo Battaglia, celebrates 500 years of Italian-American history, from the first explorers to the Godfather movies. The 320-page, coffee-table book is lavishly produced with 500 images drawn from the Library of Congress’s vast pictorial holdings. The book highlights the accomplishments of well-known individuals such as Fiorello LaGuardia and Joe DiMaggio, and also delves deeper to recognize people like Joe Petrosino, the first Italian-American
police officer to lose his life fighting organized crime. Carefully selected photos illustrate the lives of Italians in crowded Eastern cities, and in the fields and mines of rural America. Also included are photos of works of art by Italian Americans, such as photographer Carlo Gentile and Athos Casarini, a futurist painter and illustrator for Harper’s Weekly. Aside from celebrating ItalianAmerican history, the book also touches on harsh realities faced by the early immigrants: stereotyping, racism and barriers to assimilation. Linda Barrett Osborne, a fourth
7 INTERVIEW Washington, H.E. Donald Cardinal Wuerl and H.E. Theodore Cardinal McCarrick; the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò; Ambassador of Italy to the United States Claudio Bisogniero; Justice Samuel Alito; and many other dignitaries who honored Holy Rosary with their presence or with their congratulatory letters. Holy Rosary Church is, indeed, the “Italian Cathedral” of Washington, D.C. What will you be doing in your next assignment? I am returning as scholar in residence at the Center of Migration Studies in New York City. The Center, which my brother Archbishop Silvano Tomasi and I established in 1965, is now located in a newly acquired building at 307 East 60th Street (212-337-3080). Next year the Center, together with the International Migration Review, will celebrate fifty years of service and analysis of the global phenomenon of migration. I relish the opportunity to participate in the anniversary planning and celebration. Any farewell message that you would like to deliver to Holy Rosary parishioners? Holy Rosary parishioners must strive to be more inclusive and forgiving. I encourage all to listen to the words and to follow the actions of our Savior, especially by meditating and by praying the rosary. Above all, love one another!
generation Italian American, is a former writer and editor at the Library of Congress and co-author Paolo Battaglia is an Italian author of illustrated history books. Director Martin Scorsese, whose grandparents came from Sicily, writes in the book’s foreword, “In images and words, this wonderful book charts our transformation across generations— in my family and so many other families—the hundreds of thousands of families that came to these shores and left their mark on this place we call America.” A presentation by Linda Barrett Osborne will be held at Casa Italiana on Sunday, February 2, at 1:00 p.m.
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Washington D.C., February 2014
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February 8, 2014. Reception for Fr. Lydio Tomasi at Casa Italiana. For tickets call Lucia at 202-638-0165. February 9, 2014. Sodality Bake Sale in Casa Italiana after all Masses. March 1, 2014. 6:00 p.m. Carnevale celebration at Casa Italiana. March 9, 2014. Fr. De Carlo Breakfast after 9:00 a.m. Mass.
TOURS to ITALY
March 16, 2014. Festa della Vendemmia. April 6, 2014. Lasagna Dinner/Bazaar. April 27, 2014. First Communion April 4, 2014. First session of the free AP Italian Language course. Signup before March 15, 2014. For additional information contact: entegestoredc@ gmail.com May 18, 2014. 9:00 a.m. St. Pio of Pietrelcina Mass. May 18, 2014. Confirmation at 10:30 a.m. Mass May 18, 2014. St. Philip Neri Mass at 12:00 noon. June 1, 2014. Festa della Repubblica Mass at 10:30 a.m. June 2, 2014. Lido Civic Club Italian American Golf Tournament.
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