Originally Published: 2010-03-07

FAMCO president Franco Sampogna; Teresio Onorato, Rita Rotundo, Maurizio Santilli, Angelo Lupo and Cosimo Izzi.

Italian communities in Canada have a strong need for institutions. This was the assessment of the recent meeting between Corriere Canadese/Tandem, Teresio Onorato, who is responsible for Regione Molise emigrants, and Molise artist Maurizio Santilli.
Santilli is a musician/comic/singer and the headliner of a concert and show tour in Canada organized and financed by Regione Molise. The event is part of a project supported by Molise president Michele Iorio dedicated to Molise communities in the world, in collaboration with the Federazione delle Associazioni Molisane Canadesi dell’Ontario (FAMCO).
“It’s a reality beyond national boundaries that is difficult to understand if you’re not in contact with it,” says Teresio Onorato, who has visited Italians throughout the world, including Australia, Argentina, United States, and Canada. “The bond that unites these people to their origins is stronger – if that’s possible – than that of the Italians in Italy.”
Santilli, who is visiting Canada for the first time, agrees with Onorato.
“Thanks to the Regione Molise, I have the opportunity to live this experience, and I would never have imagined such a warm welcome,” he said. “It’s a pleasure bringing some of the Italian culture to these people who love it so. I feel like a missionary of joy. The best thing is that after the show, everyone comes up to say hi. They really make me feel like a representative of Molisani in the world.”
It is this strong desire to maintain one’s cultural origins that is making the Italian-Canadian community realize that institutions are a necessity.
“This is why Regione Molise very much appreciates the communities abroad,” Onorato said. “But our activities and programs aren’t just about picnics. It’s right to maintain traditions to preserve our history, but we want to base it on regular programs and concrete activities.”
This is why Consiglio Molisani nel Mondo (committee of Molisani in the world), which organizes activities for Regione Molise, is also composed of Italians living in Canada, with delegations that travel to and from Canada and Italy each year.

Page 1/...Page 2

Printable Version Email to a Friend Share

Voice Your Opinion Letter to the Editor