The Little Italy of Los Angeles Association (LILAA) proudly celebrated Italian American Heritage Month by establishing the first annual Mother Cabrini Day with a special ceremony at Los Angeles City Hall on October 13, 2026, bringing together representatives from Los Angeles City Council Districts 12 (Councilmember John Lee) and 15 (Councilmember Tim McOsker) as well as Consul General of Italy in Los Angeles Raffaella Valentini to honor the legacy of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Italian-American community.
The occasion marked the beginning of an annual Mother Cabrini Day observance in Los Angeles, establishing a new tradition dedicated to preserving the legacy of Italian immigrants, recognizing their contributions to American society, and celebrating the values of faith, service, perseverance, and compassion embodied by Mother Cabrini, who is also the Saint Patron of Immigrants.
Born in Italy in 1850, Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini became a pioneering advocate for immigrant communities. After arriving in the United States in 1889, she devoted her life to serving immigrants and vulnerable populations through education, healthcare, and charitable work. In 1946, she became the first United States citizen to be canonized a saint.
LILAA Immediate Past President Mario Amalfitano and Current President Anna Manunza passionately spearheaded the project over three years and delivered an emotional speech about their experience and commitment to preserving Italian heritage and honoring the generations of Italian immigrants whose determination, traditions, and contributions helped shape Los Angeles.
Sister Regina Palamara, the last Mother Cabrini Sister in California, also attended the ceremony and bestowed a special blessing on all the attendees.
A highlight of the ceremony was a moving musical tribute celebrating the strong Neapolitan and Ischitan roots of LILAA's board and the Italian-American community of San Pedro.
Soprano Elisabetta Russo, accompanied by guitarist Pietro Ruscigno, performed Santa Lucia Luntana, one of the most poignant songs of the Neapolitan musical tradition. The song evokes the deep longing of Italian emigrants who left Naples and their beloved homeland in search of new opportunities abroad, carrying with them memories of family, home, and the sea that connected them to Italy.
The establishment of an annual Mother Cabrini Day observance represents an important step in LILAA's ongoing efforts to promote Italian culture, preserve historical memory, and strengthen the visibility of the Italian-American community throughout Los Angeles. By bringing together civic representatives and members of the community at City Hall, the event created an opportunity to recognize the historical ties between Italy and Los Angeles and to ensure that the stories and contributions of Italian immigrants remain part of the city's cultural narrative.
LILAA extends its sincere appreciation to the representatives of Council Districts 12 and 15, the performers, and everyone who contributed to making the ceremony possible.
About the Little Italy of Los Angeles Association (LILAA)
The Little Italy of Los Angeles Association is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and celebrating Italian heritage and culture throughout Los Angeles. Through cultural events, community partnerships, educational initiatives, and public celebrations, LILAA works to strengthen connections among Italian-American communities and share the rich history and traditions of Italy with the broader public.
