The Ustica Connection

Our 125th Anniversary
By Chris Caravella

The year 2004 marks the 125th anniversary of our society, officially the “Congregazione e Fratellanza Italiana di San Bartolomeo Apostolo”.   The occasion is even more significant because this is also Peter Bertucci’s 40th year as president of the society.   Peter’s dedication has ensured that our society is here today enjoying a period of increased interest in our proud Usticese heritage.   These milestones have not gone unnoticed by our friends in Ustica, and in honor of the occasion, a group from the island will be here in New Orleans to celebrate.   Vito Ailara, Costantino Tranchina and Father Alessandro Manzone, the pastor of San Ferdinando Re Church in Ustica, will be here for the April 25th crawfish boil.   Father Alessandro will also co-officiate a Catholic Mass for all Usticesi descendants in our area on the Friday prior to the boil.   You won’t want to miss the festivities.   This is truly a rare and momentous occasion that promises to be something special for everyone.