In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino speaks with Lucia Marone and Father Leo about the importance of reconnecting with Italian roots through genealogy, music, and community initiatives. They discuss the establishment of friendship cities, the impact of music festivals, and the personal transformations that arise from exploring one’s heritage. The conversation emphasizes the significance of cultural exchange and the role of community in preserving identity and fostering connections between generations.
Lucia’s journey began with her mother’s passing, leading to a reconnection with her roots. The partnership with Father Leo aims to strengthen ties between Italian descendants in the U.S. and Italy. Friendship cities can facilitate educational and economic exchanges between communities. Music festivals serve as a platform for cultural exchange and unity among diverse musicians. The upcoming university program will allow students to study and perform in Italy.
Personal experiences of reconnecting with heritage can lead to profound transformations. Community engagement is essential for preserving cultural identity. The reopening of St. Donato’s church symbolizes a return to cultural roots for many Italian Americans. Lucia emphasizes the importance of nurturing connections with one’s ancestry. The vision for the future includes creating a vibrant bridge between America and Biccari.
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Researching Biccari, Foggia
Join us for a discussion with people born in, or descend from parents to grandparents born in Biccari. If you are from Biccari, you most likely have cousins on the panel. Many have done extensive research on the town Lucia Galdi Marone – NJ Mark Lucera – NJ Elaine Champi – D.C. Mike D’Imperio – NJ Rich Leto – Columbus, Ohio Joanne Tursi Barone – NJ Peg Baselice – Pennsylvania Paolo Saltarello – Auburn, NY

Italian Sunday Dinner
Great conversation on Italian Food with Letizia Sinisi from Italy Rooting, Peppe from My Bella Vita Travel, Elena Frigenti from Franky In NY, John Sorrentino and Rich Leto. Click here to follow our Facebook page Video

Researching Biccari, Foggia, Puglia
A moment and a movement; New Biccari. With Erick and Giuseppe Lucera and Rich Leto The book illustrates how a moment in time when the author returned to his ancestral village let to research into the movement of people from Biccari to Philadelphia. Erick along with cousins in Italy Gennaro and Giuseppe Lucera trace the 1200 Biccarese citizens to America, ending up mostly Philadelphia. Using data analytics and his cousin’s local stories from previously published

