IL PENSIERO “THE THOUGHT”
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THE ONLY ITALIAN NEWSPAPER PUBLISHED IN THE STATE OF MISSOURI
An Italian American Publication
NUMERO 7
Italian Republic Day 2025 Honors The DiGregorio Family and Bishop Mark S. Rivituso Submitted by Angelo Sita
Every country has its national patriotic day. In the United States, we have the Fourth of July. In Italy, it is “Italian Republic Day,” June 2. On this date, in 1946, the Italian Republic was born. The recognition of Geographic Italy extends over two millennia. During the Risorgimento, most of Italy was united as the Kingdom of Italy under the House of Savoy in 1860, which is credited for the birth of the Italian political state. The Italian Monarchy facilitated Benito Mussolini and the Fascists taking power in Italy. After World War II, many Italians were upset with the House of Savoy for enabling the Fascists to fight with Germany during the war. The Italian Parliament decided to hold a plebiscite to decide if Italy would remain a kingdom or become a democratic republic. This resulted in the death of the Kingdom of Italy, and the birth of the Italian Republic was declared on June 2, 1946. Every year the Sicilian Cultural Association has a banquet
The DiGregorio family celebrating Italian Republic Day, June 2. This year the banquet was held on June 1. Reverend Leo Spezia was the emcee of the event. Fr. Leo called the president of the Sicilian Cultural Association, Tanina Santangelo, to the podium, and she stated she was proud that the Sicilian Club sponsored the event. Banquet Chair Vincenzo DiPiazza welcomed everyone in attendance. Honorary Vice Italian Counsel Joseph Colagiovanni explained the significance of this day to Italy. Those in attendance were treated to a seven-course meal with an open bar. The DiGregorio family was recognized for their successful business on The Hill. Sam and Dora DiGregorio started their grocery store in June 1971. Frank DiGregorio stated that the business is celebrating its 54th year and looks forward to welcoming their customers for many years to come. Fr. Leo presented the family
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with an obelisk, a token for their devotion to serving their customers. Bishop Mark S. Rivituso was ordained Auxiliary Bishop of St. Louis by Archbishop Robert Carlson on May 2, 2017. A native of St. Louis, he was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School, Cardinal Glennon College, and Kendrick School of Theology. In 37 years as a priest, he has served as an Associate Pastor, Pastor on the faculty of St. Dominic High School, Associate Master of Ceremonies to the Archbishop, and Judicial Vicar for the Appellate Tribunal of the Province of Missouri. Bishop Rivituso is proud of his Italian heritage, and the Sicilian Cultural Association is delighted to present him with the Italian American Service Award. To learn more about the Sicilian Cultural Association of St. Louis, visit sicilianstl.com (check out the new website!).
Bishop Mark S. Rivituso and family