WTI Magazine #7    2013 Nov, 29

Author : Grace Pietrosanti      Translation by:

I was born in the Bronx, New York in the Belmont Area. Originally from Hoffman Street my maiden name is "Ruggiero" I was first generation Italian my parents both being form Sarno, Salerno (Naples) and raised in a beautiful Italian Neighborhood. My first language was Italian then English.

After moving up to Mahopac I felt a strong call to have a Catholic Store in our area, Having been brought up with beautiful catholic stores in my neighborhood, where we purchased our Madonna's the Infant of Pragues our Wedding Crosses and beautiful House Blessings, I prayed and felt that we needed one like the one's I remembered as a child. God inspired me and a dear friend of mine to open the original store in Somers, New York we named it Sacred Heart. When I moved the store into Mahopac it was with the help of family and friends, especially my husband Santino Pietrosanti who is a wonderful carpenter from the Abruzzi Region.

The store has grown with the Grace of God and much support from the staff, my four children and all the wonderful customers.

Sacred Heart has become a wonderful Community Family owned store. We also love to go to different events and bring our love of the faith with us. We were recently at "Ferragosto 2013" in the Little Italy of the Bronx! - Arthur Avenue.

Sacred Heart is currently working a sponsoring a wonderful scheduled event at the "Westchester Italian Cultural Center" in Tuckahoe, New York. This January 12, 2014 we will be having two of the world most renowned "Italian Children's Designers, Joan Calabrese and Maryjane Tomasini who will be coming to speak about their Italian Heritage and how it has effected their designs. Ms. Calabrese has her Dresses permanently on display at the New York Met. She has designed and sold to Royalty as well as having her dresses for at Berdoff Goodman. Ms. Tomasini of Staten Island has dressed babies and young children from around the world as well. Press will be there for this wonderful event.

I am very grateful for my Italian Roots and all the riches of our cultural that my family has passed onto me. The store reflects my faith as well as my Italian Culture. My daughter MariaRose who just turned 21 has been with me in the store when I opened 17 years ago. She is an integral part of it and loves her Italian Culture as well! 

www.sacredheartcatholicgoods.com