WASHINGTON - OFFICIAL STATEMENT ATTRIBUTE TO: Joseph Sciame (photo), National President, Order Sons of Italy in America:The Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) is deeply saddened by the death of Pope John Paul II. We join not only Italy, but the world, in remembering a man so dedicated to religion and the spread of peace.
I encourage all members and lodges wishing to do so, to hold memorial services or tributes to the Holy Father.
One year ago, members of OSIA traveled to Italy. On Wednesday, April 28, 2004, OSIA was publicly acknowledged at a papal audience in St. Peter's Square on the occasion of OSIA's 99th anniversary year. During the ceremony, I was presented to the Holy Father for a blessing which he extended in his words: "God bless you and all members of the Sons of Italy in America."
OSIA has more than 600,000 members and supporters and a network of more than 700 chapters coast to coast. OSIA works at the community, national and international levels to promote the heritage and culture of an estimated 26 million Italian Americans, the nation's fifth largest ethnic group, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. See www.osia.org .