Italians in Calumet Park
A piece published in a local newspaper, circa 1980:
The village of Calumet Park is not an Italian community; however, Italians, immigrants or descendants from Sicily or from Venice, mingle with the other people beautifully, and prove that 'Dago' or Maffia' are names of the past. At 12608 So. Ada Street there is an Italian couple: Mr. and Mrs. Anthony and Teresa Limosani, who will celebrate this week their 70th wedding anniversary. This record is as rare as priceless, not only because of their gift of health (Anthony hasn't yet seen a doctor), but because they prove to our community that happiness belongs even to old age. Were we to talk to their neighbors, we would hear only words of praise, and yet their life was and is as modest as that of St. Joseph. Their English may not sound so good but they reveal a faith to move mountains. Commenting on the death of their son, a doctor, Anthony said: we receive good things from the Lord. I suppose we should accept even bad ones.Their education may not have extensive roots, and their popularity may go only as far as the block, but they enjoy the basics, [family] and friends. As an Italian myself, I am uncomfortable to place them on a pedestal of glory, but pedestals are there to raise anybody who deserves them. What Mr. and Mrs. Limosani really deserve is a sign of admiration so that the gift of their peace may strengthen the ties of our community, so weak with those who fear, give up and run.
Fr. Norbert Balasso
The village of Calumet Park is not an Italian community; however, Italians, immigrants or descendants from Sicily or from Venice, mingle with the other people beautifully, and prove that 'Dago' or Maffia' are names of the past. At 12608 So. Ada Street there is an Italian couple: Mr. and Mrs. Anthony and Teresa Limosani, who will celebrate this week their 70th wedding anniversary. This record is as rare as priceless, not only because of their gift of health (Anthony hasn't yet seen a doctor), but because they prove to our community that happiness belongs even to old age. Were we to talk to their neighbors, we would hear only words of praise, and yet their life was and is as modest as that of St. Joseph. Their English may not sound so good but they reveal a faith to move mountains. Commenting on the death of their son, a doctor, Anthony said: we receive good things from the Lord. I suppose we should accept even bad ones.Their education may not have extensive roots, and their popularity may go only as far as the block, but they enjoy the basics, [family] and friends. As an Italian myself, I am uncomfortable to place them on a pedestal of glory, but pedestals are there to raise anybody who deserves them. What Mr. and Mrs. Limosani really deserve is a sign of admiration so that the gift of their peace may strengthen the ties of our community, so weak with those who fear, give up and run.
Fr. Norbert Balasso
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