A delegation from Umbria traveled to Chicago in March 2026 to strengthen ties between the Italian town of Cascia and the American city, building on a shared devotion to Saint Rita.
The initiative centers on a faith-based partnership that blends religious tradition with institutional cooperation, bringing together local leaders and the Italian diplomatic network in the United States.
During the visit, Massimiliano Presciutti, president of the Province of Perugia, and Cascia mayor Mario De Carolis met with Italian Consul Mario Alberto Bartoli at the Italian Consulate in Chicago. The meeting highlighted opportunities for collaboration in areas such as education, migration, and cultural exchange, while also reinforcing dialogue between public institutions on both sides of the Atlantic.
The delegation’s trip included several symbolic events, beginning with the lighting of the “Torch of Peace and Forgiveness,” a tradition dating back to 1958 that promotes reconciliation and unity. The ceremony took place in a parish dedicated to Saint Rita in Chicago, drawing a large number of participants and reinforcing the spiritual significance of the initiative.
This torch will continue its journey to the Vatican on May 20, where it will be blessed by the Pope before returning to Cascia the following day for local celebrations. The timeline – March events in Chicago followed by May ceremonies in Italy – reflects a structured program aimed at connecting communities across continents.
The mission also included visits to key religious and cultural sites, such as the National Shrine of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini and other locations linked to Italian-American history. These moments emphasized the historical role of migration, with Chicago serving as a major hub for Italian communities for over a century.
According to organizers, the initiative is not only spiritual but also promotional, offering visibility to Cascia, the Province of Perugia, and the broader Umbria region. The project seeks to expand international relationships and generate long-term cooperation, potentially impacting tourism, cultural programming, and educational exchanges.
Presciutti described the meetings as productive and forward-looking, noting that the discussions opened new possibilities in multiple sectors. The delegation’s activities – spanning religious ceremonies, institutional meetings, and community engagement – underline a strategy that combines tradition with modern international outreach.
Overall, the Cascia–Chicago partnership represents a multifaceted effort: a religious bond rooted in devotion to Saint Rita, a diplomatic bridge between Italy and the United States, and a platform for future collaboration that could grow in the coming years.
