Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans President Ron Onesti will proudly welcome a special delegation from Sicily, including the Vice Mayor of Palermo, during a flag raising celebration at 4 p.m. on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Daley Plaza. The delegation’s visit honors the legacy of Santa Rosalia, the beloved patron saint of Palermo, who’s credited with ending the devastating plague of 1624 through her miraculous intercession.
Santa Rosalia is known as La Santuzza or The Little Saint. And although she may have been diminutive, her story looms large in Italian history. She was born into a noble family in the 12th century but chose a life of devotion and solitude on Mount Pellegrino. When the plague swept through Palermo close to a third of the city’s residents died. But when La Santuzza’s remains were solemnly processed through the streets the disease began to miraculously subside, cementing Rosalia’s role as a heroine of Palermo.
“In an era still grappling with public health crises, political uncertainty and cultural fragmentation, the story of Santa Rosalia resonates now more than ever,” said Treasurer Pappas. “Her legacy as a protector and unifier speaks to universal themes of resilience, sacrifice and faith.”
Following the flag raising, a reception will be held in the Cook County Treasurer’s Office, located at 118 N. Clark St., Room 112, Chicago. During this event, Treasurer Pappas will present Certificates of Excellence to the Vice Mayor, his delegation and civic and religious leaders from Italy and the Chicago area. The Vice Mayor will also present and explain the “Palermo Blooms with Santa Rosalia” art exhibit which features 37 different works. Attendees will also be treated to a musical performance by I Sing Sicily.
“More than 600,000 Italian Americans in Chicagoland have helped make Cook County and its surrounding areas one of the largest Italian population centers in the world,” said Pappas. “With their soaring church spires, crowded parishes and schools, and thriving business corridors, Chicago’s Italian population has left an indelible mark on our hometown. I’m honored to recognize that proud tradition and the people who continue to help shape it.”
This celebration also serves as a lead-in to the Columbus Day parade, which will take place on Monday, October 13, and this year will specially honor Santa Rosalia.
Honorees: Onorevole Giampiero Cannella – Vice Mayor of Palermo; Marianna Mirto – President; Luigi Candioto – Chairman; Salvatore Siviglia; Francesco Oliveri; Marco Oliveri – Members, Città Gemella Termini Imerese–Elk Grove Village; Davide Morici and Giovanni Callea – Founders, Made in Sicily Foundation; Nicola Di Grigoli – Scarletti Productions/Teatro Massimo; Lidia Schillaci – Singer-Songwriter, Teatro Massimo; Paolo Cecchetti – Representative, Assemblea Regionale Siciliana; Vincenzo Zaffuto – Photographer & Member, Elk Grove Italian Sister Cities; Saulo Cabrera – Member, Zihuatanejo Ixtapa Sister Cities; Giovanni Gullo – Founder & Chairman; Maria Gullo and Mariann Gullo – Directors; Josephine and Gina Sclafani – Members, Elk Grove Village Italian Sister Cities; Maurizio Filardo, I Sing Sicily.