Building bonds across the sea

Mayor Joseph Polisena recently signed an agreement that could have far-reaching international ties for the citizens of Johnston.

In short, the town may soon become the sister city of Panni in Foggia, Italy, once officials of the Pannese Society of Providence return from a trip early next month.

Likewise, Our Lady of Grace Church could have the same type of international relationship with the Church of Panni once Johnston resident and Pannese Society president Joseph Spremulli and his son Louis Spremulli return from a trip to Italy they hope will lead to various exchange programs between the two towns and parishes.

“I think it’s great,” Polisena said while signing an agreement to have Johnston become a sister city with the Panni. “It’s great to extend our cultures beyond the borders of Rhode Island.”

Polisena, who hosted the historic signing inside his Town Hall office, added: “Johnston has a high Italian-American population. I think it’s important we recognize that and this agreement will be good for the town and good for the residents.”

The Rev. Peter J. Gower, who has been the pastor at Our Lady of Grace Church since July 2013, is also excited about having a sister church in Italy and an international relationship that could include everything from social to religious to educational offerings.

The unique sister city-sister church program came into being when the Pannese Society’s members developed the idea during as trip to Panni two years ago.

“The mission of the Pannese Society is promote the cultural, social, spiritual and educational heritage from Panni, Italy,” Joseph Spremulli said last Saturday morning inside Our Lady of Grace Church while discussing the La Madonna Del Bosco of Panni, a wooden statute that’s over 100 years old and came from Italy by way of Holy Ghost Church on Federal Hill. “We are committed to record and preserve our heritage and culture to our present society.”

Spremulli, who along with his son has revived the Pannese Society, went on: “The society will strive to keep our heritage through our patron saint, community and cultural activities for future generations to come.”

He also hand painted the La Madonna Del Bosco that is now housed at Our Lady of Grace Church.

Once documents are signed in Italy, committees will be formed on both ends to begin the process and to develop things like student exchanges, cultural events and even international trade.