Historic Labarum Returns to Italy After 90 Years, Symbolizing Emigrant Devotion
A centuries-old symbol of faith and community, the labarum, created by Italian women who emigrated to the United States, is returning to Italy after nearly a century. The artifact will be donated to the Cerignola-Ascoli Satriano diocese and displayed at the museum center in the “city of griffins,” marking the fulfillment of a long-held dream for descendants of the Ascoli Satriano community.
A Legacy of Mutual Aid and Faith
The labarum was originally commissioned in 1937 by women from Ascoli who had established a mutual aid society in the United States to support fellow emigrants. This act of solidarity underscored the deep connection these individuals maintained with their homeland and their unwavering faith. For decades, the banner served as a potent symbol of their devotion to both their Patron Saint and their ancestral city.
Rediscovery and Return
The journey to repatriate the labarum was a collaborative effort spearheaded by several individuals. According to a statement, the initiative was driven by Gino Gallo and lawyer Potito Moscato, who initially discovered the historical artifact. Emanuela Flagella and her cousin, Kimberly Torrelli Zacherl, provided crucial logistical and linguistic support, facilitating communication and coordination across continents.
The physical retrieval of the banner involved a significant financial commitment. Francesco Vasciminno secured the labarum for over 10,000 euros from a resale shop specializing in sacred articles in Providence, Rhode Island. Following its purchase, the artifact was transported to Mappano, a town in the province of Turin, Italy, which serves as the headquarters for the ‘Amici di Ascoli’ association of Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta.
A Symbol of Enduring Connection
“A unique emotion that we will not forget, and the satisfaction of having managed to bring to Italy something that recalls the devotion of our overseas ancestors for our Patron Saint and the love for our Ascoli,” commented Gino Gallo, who also manages the Facebook group ‘Ascoli Satriano – La Città dei Grifoni.’ The return of the labarum represents more than just the recovery of a historical object; it embodies the enduring bond between the Italian diaspora and their ancestral roots. The artifact’s exhibition will serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices and unwavering faith of those who sought new lives abroad while preserving their cultural heritage.
