The delegation from the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA) from the United States, led by President Michael G. Polo, visited Polizzi Generosa (PA) on Sunday, May 5th, the birthplace of the organization's founder, Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro. In 1905, Dr. Sellaro, along with a group of Italian immigrants in America, founded the organization "Sons of Italy," known today as OSDIA, to support Italians in America.
The delegation was welcomed by the Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro Cultural Association of Polizzi Generosa, represented by President Nunzia Imburgia and Pino Lo Verde, vice president of the OSDIA chapter in Palermo. During the visit, the guests had the opportunity to admire the Cathedral, the archaeological museum, and the main monuments of the city, before heading to the birthplace of Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro. During their stay, the Cultural Association of Polizzi presented to the OSDIA delegation a project for the creation of a Polyclinic named after Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro, with the aim of providing free care to those who can no longer access public health care due to long waiting times or private health care due to economic problems.
A one-act comedy was presented, written by Moffo Schimmenti and Sergio Lo Verde, focusing on the meeting between Dr. Sellaro and Mother Francis Xavier Cabrini, who was later proclaimed a saint.
Along with OSDIA President Michael G. Polo, the delegation included Sons of Italy Foundation President Joseph Sciame, National 1st Vice President Thomas A. Lupo, National 3rd Vice President Dr. Mark DeNunzio, National Executive Director Shayla Kaestle, National Membership Committee Co-Chair Dan Kaestle, and the President of the OSDIA Chapter "Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro" of Palermo, Vincenzo Tiberio Mantia. The OSDIA delegation led by President Polo arrived in Palermo, where they met with the Mayors of Palermo and Bagheria, coming from Rome where they participated in the papal audience and, together with the Past President of the first Italian chapter Carmelo Cutuli, met with the Sicilian bishops visiting Ad Limina Apostolorum from the Pontiff at the Archconfraternity of Sicilians in Rome.
The visit of the OSDIA delegation to Italy was an experience deeply imbued with Sicilian spirit. This bond will be further strengthened during the NELA Gala, the anticipated fundraising event organized by the Sons of Italy Foundation, which will be held at the end of the month. At this gala evening, Sicily will be celebrated as the "Region of Honor," thus sealing the definitive consolidation of relations between the Sicilian and Italian-American communities. The event will represent a moment of great importance for both communities, united by common roots and a deep sense of belonging to the culture and traditions of the island.
