Tag Archives: ICF

The Italian Catholic Federation Branch 392 presented Clara and Francesco Cascella with its Mother Cabrini Award on Nov. 5. The award is bestowed each year upon a couple that represents the Italian values of community, family and faith. Francesco was born in Mola di Bari and spent two years in the Italian Navy before coming to America. He worked at Illinois Gear and Mola Construction before his retirement and has been an active member of the Società Maria SS. Addolorata di Mola di Bari. He is proud to currently serve as the president of the men’s division of the society. …

The Italian Catholic Federation’s Our Lady Mother of the Church Branch #439 hosted its sixth annual dinner dance on Oct. 8 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison. The event raised funds to benefit Maria Vouga and her family, and honored Rocco and Rosanna DeFrenza. Maria Vougas Maria is a loving wife to Eric Vougas and the proud mother of four children, Stefanie, Eric, Shannon and Breanna. In 2012, Maria was diagnosed with MS (multiple sclerosis), an autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system. This causes inflammation, scar tissue and lesions in the brain and spinal column, making it difficult for …

  The Italian Catholic Federation Branch 392 presented Giovanna and Antonio Gerardi with its Mother Cabrini Award on Nov. 13. The award is bestowed each year upon a couple that represents the Italian values of community, family and faith. The event will feature a Mass at St. Francis Borgia Church in Chicago and a dinner dance at Porretta’s. Giovanna Cacciapaglia Gerardi was born in Mola di Bari in the beautiful southern Italian region of Puglia. At the age of 13, she left Italy along with her parents and sisters to join her older sister, who had moved years earlier and …

  The Italian Catholic Federation’s Our Lady Mother of the Church Branch #439 will host its fifth annual dinner dance on Oct. 30 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison. (847-341-1847) The event will raise funds for the residential treatment program sponsored by Lydia and honor Mel Gonzales, the organization’s program developer and volunteer/mentor coordinator. LYDIA’s Residential Treatment Program provides a structured, therapeutic environment for children and adolescents with serious behavioral issues, many of whom have been traumatized by abuse or neglect. The program provides healing while teaching its residents practical life skills. Gonzales has been with the program since 1991, …