Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
Lifelong member Paul Faso 
has been elected president of Società Maria SS. di Costantinopoli. Joining him as officers are First Vice President Darrin Bosell, Second Vice President Frank Loconte, Recording Secretary Lucia Maffei, Secretary of Finance Sabina Bosell, Treasurer Vito D’Ambrosio and Sergeant-at-Arms Frank Faso.
Faso officially became a member of the organization when he turned 16 in 1999, but he has been active in the society his entire life. “My parents and grandparents realized how crucial it was to get the younger generations involved early, so that’s what they did,” he explains. “Initially, there wasn’t a choice, but now I’m happy to be involved. It’s a way to give back to our paesani and continue the traditions and life lessons that were brought over from Bitritto, Bari.”
Faso is proud to accept the mantle of leadership from his uncle Joseph Maffei, who served as president for 40 years. “It’s an honor to try to fill his shoes and take our society to the next level,” he says.
Increasing social activities and outings is at the top of Faso’s to-do list, and he hopes to entice members into bringing their children and grandchildren along. But his favorite event will always be the society’s annual dinner dance. “Every year, we bring together more than 500 guests to celebrate our Madonna,” he explains. “They come from every generation and a lot of different ethnic backgrounds, but they’re all there to celebrate the Blessed Mother.”
For more information, call 847-370-9803.
