Yesterday, St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue hosted a Mass in memory of the Italian victims of September 11, followed by a concert. Organized by the E-novation Foundation to mark the 25th anniversary of the attacks, the Mass was celebrated by Don Luigi Portarulo, head of Youth and Italian Pastoral Care, and Monsignor James Gigantiello, alongside the Chaplain of the New York City Fire Department and two other priests who traveled from Italy specifically for the event.

“The idea was to include the years following 9/11, because the families must not be forgotten,” Azzurra Rinaldi, a New York-based philanthropist and Vice President of the foundation, told La Stampa USA in an interview. “There are approximately 415 or 416 recognized Italian-American victims, but since 9/11, there have been more than 2,000 deaths connected to the aftermath of the attacks, including around 450 firefighters.”

The Mass took place in October, which is Italian Heritage Month. “In October, we celebrate our relationship with the United States and our connection to 9/11,” Rinaldi explained, underscoring the close ties between Italian Americans and firefighters.

Among those attending were Dan Nigro, former New York City Fire Commissioner; Jean O’Shea and Matt Di Liberto, representing the FDNY Foundation; Giuseppe Comissio, owner of Fiorentina; Grace Cacciolo, Associated with the fire service; and Nick Dursi of the National Stone Foundation. The ceremony also brought together retired firefighters and members of the Italian-American community.

The choice of venue was never in doubt. “St. Patrick’s is our church, always,” Fire Chief John Esposito told the organizers.

The Italian contribution to New York runs deep. Rinaldi pointed to the Carrara marble used in monuments dedicated to firefighters. “The tradition began with the first immigrants, who worked with marble and helped build many of New York’s monuments,” she said.

Another key part of the event was the concert following the Mass. “It all began with a stronger expression of Italian identity and a way of saying thank you through music,” Rinaldi said. Tenor Raffaello Bellavista performed an original composition, accompanied by soprano Rosemary Clarizio and pianist and orchestra conductor Maestro John Cuk. Bellavista had previously performed at City Hall during the commemoration of 250 years of relations between Italy and the United States. Steinway provided the piano.

“Everything is free, with no sponsorship, because a donation will come later,” Rinaldi added.

During the event, Rinaldi also emphasized that the initiative is intended to continue beyond this year. “This is not the end, but only the beginning of a series of dedicated events. Next year, we will involve more artists and companies,” she said.

“Most of us are Catholic, and after the Pope’s operation, we decided to dedicate a prayer to his recovery,” she said. Foundation President Massimo Lucidi, a longtime supporter of medical research at Rome’s Policlinico Gemelli hospital, invited everyone to join the prayer. “This American Pope is extraordinary, and we need him,” he said.

The event was held under the patronage of Comites, the Committee of Italians Abroad. Announced on ABC and covered by major Italian media outlets, it attracted attention on both sides of the Atlantic. “We have a double impact,” Rinaldi said.