Lady of Grace Fraternity hosted an Italian cultural Day in Marsfield with over 120 attendees. Event was held at St. Anthonys School Hall in Marsfield. The fraternity was established in 1955 and next year will celebrate their 70th anniversary.
In line with their pastoral care an event was organized with Seniors in mind. The event was aimed to build social connections and reduce isolation for older people, regardless of background. With a grant funded by City of Ryde, a 3 course, Italian style lunch was served, gelato coffee and Italian home made treats.
There is something electrifying about people coming together over a dining table!!! Home cooked meals were catered by Dominics Catering.
Roseanna Gallo provided lively Italian music sounds and song and winners were grinners from the raffle prizes drawn. A lot of and laughs with the bottle tombola game substituted with an 4 litre can of “olive oil tombolo”.
It was pleasing to see many of the elders, both male and female, re-connect with neighbours and friends they hadn’t seen for a while and were able to speak in their native tongue. They laughed and cried and all left with the same enquiry…..when is the next one? Encouraging to see our seniors make new friends and a desire to stay active and connected and enjoy new experiences. Amongst oldest participant were Sam Cavaleri 96, Frank Fiore 95, and Marianna Pinguetta 92 years of age. A cake was organized for the birthdays on the day with Fr. Greg Walsh Parish priest from St. Anthonys and Mick Cessario, Marianna Pinguieta and Sam Cavaleri.
Overwhelming thanks and praises was received by organisers, from over 120 seniors gathered together who were able to engage socially, forming friendships and in true Italian style, ate, drank, and went home merry. Good for the mind, body and most of all the soul. Thanks also goes to City of Ryde grants programme, Maggios for the bread severed Coxs Road Mall for the gelato, Figtree grocer for fruit prizes Mary Mesiti wine donation and Ladies of the social committee for prizes supplied and homemade sweets and of course organizing and hosting.
Keep updated by following Lady of Grace Marsfield on Instagram or Madonna delle Grazie page on Facebook and also Italian Migrants of Ryde page on Facebook.
