A Letter From The President

Hello everyone!

Great things are happening in the Italian American community! Events, milestones, celebrations and most importantly: the election of a new Pope!

Pope Leo XIV is not only of Italian descent and the first Pope from America, but he also hails from our very own Windy City! What a historic moment for our Italian American community in Chicago and across the country!

We’ve also been busy making history in our own way. Just two days ago, we hosted our 3rd Annual Italian Caucus Reception in Springfield, alongside Illinois State Representative Anthony DeLuca. It was an inspiring gathering of government officials, leaders, and advocates—all committed to preserving and promoting Italian American voices and uplifting our community!

There are many more events and celebrations to look forward to as well! We can't wait to have you joining us in honoring our pride and heritage!

Ron Onesti

President, JCCIA

COLUMBUS RETURNS: After four-plus years of litigation and negotiation, the Christopher Columbus Statue that once stood in Arrigo Park will have a home! View the full press release: "Christopher Columbus Statue to return to Chicago’s Little Italy".

DANTE AWARDS: The 2025 Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans Annual Dante and DiFrisco Awards Luncheon is coming up on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at Galleria Marchetti! Join us in honoring Dante Award Recipient, Lynn Sweet from the Chicago Sun-Times and DiFrisco Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient, Walter Jacobson from WGN Radio!

CLICK HERE to purchase your ticket!

QUEEN PAGEANT: Calling all aspiring-queens! The 2025 Columbus Day Queen Pageant has been scheduled for Saturday, July 26 at the Des Plaines Theatre. Make history and become the next bella Regina!

CLICK HERE for more information or to apply!

ITALICO INFO: Have Italian American Community updates or information you would like to see in the next edition of ITALICO? Submit your request to the JCCIA Office at jcc@jccia.com!

JUSTINIAN GRANTS: The Justinian Society celebrates another year of giving back—awarding $15,000 in grants to help children with disabilities and those in need. "Justinians bestow 2025 Children’s Endowment Fund grants" by Fra Noi.

UNICO AWARDS: UNICO honors two Italian Americans leaders changing lives—from the courtroom to the clinic. The Guglielmo Marconi Science Award was presented to Dr. Carl D. Marci and a Special Achievement Award was presented to attorney Jack Cerone "UNICO National honors standout pair at conclave in Chicago" by Fra Noi.

NIAF NY GALA: On April 10 the National Italian American Foundation celebrated their 50th Anniversary with an evening of elegance and national Italian pride! "NIAF New York 2025 Gala Honored Five Outstanding Italians" by Filomena Troiano.

IA AUTHORS: On May 17 Casa Italia will be hosting their 21st Annual Celebration of local Italian American authors - "I-A Literati to spotlight local writers" by Fra Noi.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Mark your calendars! Exciting events are just around the corner, brought to you by the JCCIA & Affiliate Organizations!

May 15 | JSOL Installation & Awards Dinner

Justinian Society of Lawyers (MORE INFO)

May 15 | Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini: Night at the Fights

National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame (MORE INFO)

May 15 | NIAF Philadelphia Testimonial Dinner

National Italian American Foundation (MORE INFO)

May 17 | IA Literati 2025

Casa Italia (MORE INFO)

May 17 | Feast of St. Rita of Cascia

Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Contact: 708-344-4140)

May 19 | Women's Division May Meeting

JCCIA Women's Division (Contact: 847-494-1198 or womensdivision@jccia.com)

May 19 | "Sapori di Sicilia" Dinner Series

Associazione Regionale Siciliana in America (Contact: 847-962-1251)

May 20 | Italian American Authors Book Club

Casa Italia (Contact: lincapuz@gmail.com)

May 22 | Dante & DiFrisco Awards Luncheon

JCCIA (MORE INFO)

May 22 | Pilgrimage to the Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia

Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Contact: 708-344-4140)

May 23 | Golf Outing

Italian American Labor Council (Contact: 312-907-0039)

May 25 | Rosary & Coroncina

Beato Giovanni Liccio di Chicago (Contact: 312-363-8617)

May 28 | JCCIA May General Meeting

Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans (Contact: jcc@jccia.com)

May 29 | Marchegiana Membership Dinner

Marchegiana Society of Chicago Heights (Contact: 708-932-5934)

May 31 | Pilgrimage of the Rosary and Meditation

Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii (MORE INFO)

CLICK HERE for the full calendar of events! Have an event you would like to be added to the calendar? Submit your request to jcc@jccia.com! 

HOMETOWN HOLINESS: Born and raised right here in Chicago, Cardinal Robert F. Prevost has been elected the next pope-taking the name of Pope Leo XIV. Being the first American-born pontiff and of Italian descent, this is a proud moment for Chicagoans and the Italian-American community! "Cardinal Robert Prevost, born in Chicago, is the first pope from the United States" by Lauren FitzPatrick and Nicole Winfield.

PIZZO & PREVOST: Hear what Rev. Anthony Benedetto Pizzo has to say about his long-time friend, Pope Leo XIV! "Longtime Chicago friend describes first American pope as ‘very dedicated’" by Beth Hundsdorfer.

FESTA ITALIANA: The Italian Community Center of Milwaukee will be hosting their Festa Italiana 2025 from May 30 to June 1 at the Henry Maier Festival Park. Admission is only $15 per person!

CIAO NAPOLI: A new American Airlines route now flies nonstop from Chicago to Naples! "That’s amore! American Airlines connects deep dish to Neapolitan with new service to Naples" by CDA Media Relations.

CHICAGO CULTURE: From opera to art, read about what Italian cultural experiences are coming up in Chicago "A preview of music, film, theater, dance and more" by Fra Noi.

DELICIOUS DISHES: Less than half a mile from Wrigley Field, Mia Francesca knocks it out of the park with their vibrant dishes and fabulous flavors! "Fresh Italian Dishes Shine at Mia Francesca" by Olivia Brown.

MORETTI’S MAGIC: Family, flavor, and a whole lot of pizza—Moretti’s brings their magic to Wheeling with its 13th Chicagoland location! "Moretti’s opens 13th location in Wheeling" by Fra Noi.

CHICAGO COMEBACK: Team Italy standout Nicky Lopez makes a return to Chicago, but this times he's wearing blue. "Team Italy spark plug Nicky Lopez joins hot-hitting Chicago Cubs" by Roberto Angotti.

BRILLIANT BAKING: This Lockport bakery kneads tradition into every loaf, cookie, and cannoli—don’t miss a bite! "Lifelong baker sets up shop in Lockport" by Fra Noi.

SWEET TREATS: From Milan to America, Bindi, Sammontana, and Tre Marie unite to serve up next-level sweets at the National Restaurant Show. "Bindi North America Showcases Expanded Family of Brands" by Bindi North America.

CLEVELAND CONSUL: The search is on for Cleveland’s next Italian Honorary Consul! "Selection Process for a New Honorary Consul of Italy in Cleveland" from the Consolato d'Italia Detroit.

DANTE DISCOVERIES: The 1544 edition of Dante’s Divine Comedy—complete with woodcuts illustrations and handwritten notes—has landed in Seattle."Rare 1544 Dante volume arrives at UW Libraries" Rita Cipalla.

HERITAGE HERO: Meet Andrè DiMino—the fierce voice behind the Italian American One Voice Coalition, taking on stereotypes, cancel culture, and the fight for Columbus. "Fighting anti-Italianism, stereotypes and cancel culture: meet Andrè DiMino" by Umberto Mucci.

NEW HAVEN HISTORY: Francesco Coiro and Peter S. Saldibar left their mark on Yale’s walls without ever making the history books—until now."Untold Tales Of Yale’s Immigrant Artisans At New Haven Museum" by Ellyn Santiago.

TASTE OF TRADITION: From vodka sauce to thin crust, this family-owned gem has been dishing out Italian classics for over two decades. "La Famiglia: Traditional Italian cuisine" from Arizona PBS.

DONATELLO AWARD: Maura Delpero shatters records with Vermiglio, winning big at the 70th David di Donatello awards. "70th edition of the David di Donatello awards crowns Vermiglio" by We the Italians Editorial Staff.

MUSIC & MAGIC: With film, food, and unforgettable music, this year’s Napa festival is a tribute to Italian artistry. "Music and magic: Festival Napa Valley returns featuring 200 Artists, Ennio Morricone tribute, and Italian conductor Clelia Cafiero" by Serena Perfetto.

FORT COLLINS FLAVORS: Step into a vintage Italian steakhouse where every bite is rooted in tradition and taste! "RARE Italian: A Timeless Steakhouse with Italian Soul" by Blaine Howerton.

SAINTS & STATUES: Discover the beautiful St. Francis statue from Umbria that deepens the sister-city bond between Cannara and Walla Walla. "Walla Walla and Cannara linked by sculpture of St. Francis" by Rita Cipalla.

SPILLING SECRETS: Think you know cappuccino? An Italian barista spills the secrets to getting the perfect cup of coffee. "How to Make a Perfect Cappuccino: Tips from an Italian Barista" by Graceanne LaCombe.

PICKING THE POPE: With the world watching for white smoke, the Church turns to age-old traditions—explore the secrets, strategy, and sacred ritual used to choose the next pope. "The road to a new Pope: a look inside the history and rituals of the conclave" by Chiara Dalessio.

VILLAGE REVIVAL: Discover how small-town tourism is turning ghost villages into vibrant getaways! "The tourism that saves forgotten villages: Italy’s hamlets are reborn through Alberghi Diffusi" by Gambero Rosso.

WINE TO WHISKEY: Italy’s whisky scene is booming—and it’s bringing bold wine-inspired flavors to the barrel. "Italian whisky: A rising industry influenced by wine history" by Jacopo Mazzeo.

SAINT CELEBRATION: Every May, Gubbio transforms into a sea of color and faith in honor of its beloved Saint Ubaldo. "A race of devotion: Gubbio’s ancient Festa dei Ceri honors Saint Ubaldo" by L'Italo Americano Staff.

PATH TO PARADISE: From alpine climbs to coastal strolls, Italy’s hikes deliver stunning views and unforgettable adventures."The Best Hikes in Italy: Top Trails for Every Adventurer" by Emma Donaldson.

ROMAN PYRAMID: Discover the Roman politician who brought Egypt to Italy—and the mysterious that still surround the Pyramid today. "Why there's a Pyramid in Rome? The charming history of Cestius Pyramid" by Chiarastella Campanelli.

TINY TOWN, BIG STORY: Portogruaro may be tiny, but its legacy stretches across the globe. "Portogruaro: The Charming Venetian Town with Surprising Connections to the World" by Giada Valenti.

CLASSIC CARS: Planning a trip to Italy? Detour off the tourist trail and explore the 11 car museums that put Italy’s auto legacy in the fast lane. "11 Italian Car Museums to Add to Your Travel Itinerary" by Nathan Chadwick.