Following an old tradition, members of the Italian Catholic Federation branch 374 at St. Bede the Venerable Roman Catholic Church in La Cañada Flintridge joined pastor Rev. Monsignor Antonio Cacciapuoti in a special Mass celebrated on the patio of the home of former California State Assemblyman Anthony Portantino and his wife Ellen. Thirty-eight members of ICF and several friends of the Portantino family participated in the Mass. Portantino was the host of this year’s event and welcomed ICF members to the Mass and a steak barbecue afterwards.

The Mass is celebrated by members to promote the spiritual and fraternal aims of the organization. It is always held at the home of one of the members. ICF typically also has special Masses at the church especially for its members. ICF is a national organization whose mission is to promote families and fellowship by supporting the Catholic faith and its values by encouraging apostolic and charitable works. It celebrates Italian heritage while celebrating all other heritages of the communities of its members. Membership is open to all Roman Catholics from many ethnic origins.

Monsignor Cacciapuoti is the archdiocesan director of ICF for the archdiocese of Los Angeles.

Submitted by Al RESTIVO

  AL RESTIVO, Penny BAISLEY