One of the highlights was the American hot dog (with or without sauerkraut). The boys had been yearning for hot dogs ever since seeing them as they walked the streets of New York. Prisca, their mother, would not allow them to have one because she was afraid that they were not “safe.”

The Italian group was greeted at the door to the sounds of the Italian National Anthem followed soon by the American Star Spangled Banner. Conversations soon led to the meaning of Independence Day, how it started, the variety and numbers of immigrants who came to the US, life in Italy and the US, our common foods, etc. While we recognized and cherished our differences, we also were reminded of all we share in common as Christians, with a special bond as SFPs and Associates.

Calogero shared stories about what they had seen and done, including their tour of the United Nations. He was surprised that no one at the UN could tell him where he could find the office of Sr. Bernadette Sullivan. With a chuckle, Sr. Bernadette explained that though she is often present at the UN, she is one of many representatives from Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) who go there for meetings, but do not have an office there.

More conversation led to plans for another tour and lunch date. Samuel offered to escort the group to Hoboken where they would meet Thomasina who would then give a special tour of the early history of the Franciscan Sisters in Hoboken, NJ.

- By Sister Marilyn Fischer, SFP