Ascended,—Far below people in the turrets of open tracery look like flies caught in cobweb.—The groups of angels on points of pinnacles & everywhere...Might well [illegible] host of heaven upon top of Milan Cathedral.”

—   Herman Melville

 

As always, I’m leading off with a writer and poet. This time the writer, though not Italian, is writing about what has been a symbol of Italy for centuries. And what a description of the Milan Cathedral the author of the mythic Moby Dick has given us!

The year was 1857. But even today, those who have been there know: this grand, magisterial impression still dwells in the Duomo. And yet our cover story is an invitation to get to know not only Milan and its cathedral during the six months of the city’s Expo, but a little something more. High up among the spires, there is a dearly beloved statue that has strong ties to the United States and New York more specifically. The statue is dedicated to Mother Francesca Cabrini, the Milanese born American citizen. To find out more about her, be sure to check out the cover story.

 

What you hold in your hands may seem like a vast mishmash of articles, but there are tangible links that bind its Italian and American contents. Alongside Mother Cabrini, you’ll find stories peopled with other important Italian Americans, from Mario and Matilda Cuomo in the

political arena to Tony & Marisa May and Lou Di Paolo in the world of fine dining. And Fred Gardaphe digs into the history of Italian Americans in his interview with Maria Laurino about her companion book to the hit documentary “Italian Americans” that recently aired on PBS. And Paul Moses recounts how the (equal but different) Irish and Italian communities managed to “make peace.” The theme of diversity makes an appearance in the art world too, as Gaetano Pesce talks about what sets women apart in anticipation of his jewelry exhibit “For Her.”


Finally, it’s springtime. The last few months’ images of an ice-shagged New York are fading from view, and the city seems to be coming back to life. In i-ItalyNY you’ll find a long list of events, stories, and tips on how to spend your free time and where to go in Italy. In our back matter we take you to one of the most stupendous and least know corners of Italy: Cilento.

 

I-ItalyNY’s unique assortment of stories brought to you on television (you’ve seen our weekly show, haven’t you?), the web, social media and in our print magazine is a real gamble given the challenges facing the publishing industry these days. But it’s a gamble that’s paying off thanks to you. Please continue to follow us, give us heart and write to us! We always want to hear your comments.

Alla prossima!