Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
Joe Donnelly, a former U.S. senator from Indiana and past U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, was the guest of honor at the annual Columbus Day/Italian Heritage Celebration held in Mishawaka, Indiana, in October.
Joking that he was “Joe Donnelli” for the day, Donnelly spoke about the importance of Christopher Columbus and the numerous contributions of Italian Americans both nationally and locally. He also talked about the wonderful time he had in Rome as ambassador and of his meetings with Pope Francis. While he was ambassador, he was able to tour many parts of Italy and welcome countless visitors from across the United States, including his home turf of northern Indiana.
The event, which drew more than 200 people, was held in front of the Columbus statue near the entrance to Central Park, and was followed by a luncheon at the Diloreto Club. Mayor Dave Wood and local club leaders spoke at the presentation. It was sponsored by the four Italian-American organizations in St. Joseph and Elkhart Counties in Indiana — the Italian American Relief Association, Diloreto Club, De Amicis Club and the Italian Heritage Society — and the local Knights of Columbus council, which led off the ceremony with its color guard. For his many years as president of the Diloreto Club, Pat Perri received a special award from Wood.
