Emanuel Chirico – a proud Italian American businessman and philanthropist – has made a lasting mark on Bitonto, the southern Italian city his family once called home, in the Puglia region. Recently, he donated a new altar, cathedra, and lectern to the city’s Romanesque Cathedral, an offering that blends faith, heritage, and artistry. Made of pale limestone with refined brass detailing, the ensemble reflects elegance and balance, appearing almost suspended in air – a symbol of the soul’s rise toward the divine.
Chirico’s generosity comes from a place of deep personal connection. His grandfather emigrated from Bitonto to the United States in the early 20th century, seeking a better life. Generations later, Emanuel – now chairman of PVH Corp., the global fashion group behind brands like Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger – returned to rediscover his roots. During a visit last summer, he was moved by the beauty and serenity of Bitonto’s cathedral and decided to finance the renewal of its sacred furnishings as a gesture of gratitude to his ancestral land.
Known in the business world for his leadership and commitment to ethical growth, Chirico has often said that his family values – humility, perseverance, and faith – shaped his success far more than ambition alone. His decision to give back to Bitonto embodies those same principles. The project, approved by the Archdiocese of Bari-Bitonto, was realized by architect Giuseppe Fallacara, a distant relative, ensuring that craftsmanship and family legacy intertwined.
At the consecration ceremony, the city expressed heartfelt thanks, granting Chirico honorary citizenship. Mayor Francesco Paolo Ricci called his gesture “an act of love that unites continents.” Deeply moved, Chirico spoke of his pride in his origins and his desire to continue building bridges between Italy and the Italian American community – a personal mission that, he said, gives meaning to his success.
