Held in the Salone L’Aquila at the Casa D’Abruzzo Club in Epping, transformed for the occasion into a chapel, the Holy Mass was presided over by Father Vito Pegolo.

Over 750 people attended, including members of the Abruzzese association and representatives from cultural organisations, religious confraternities and regional groups in traditional attire.

Among the groups were: the Confraternity of Saints Peter and Paul, the Order of the Knights of the Southern Cross, the Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Mary of Bethlehem, the Casa D’Abruzzo Club Group, the Avondale Heights & East Keilor Residents Association, U.N.S.I., the National Association of Italian Sailors ‘Borsini Group’, the National Artillery Association, the Air Force Association, the Alpini Groups of Epping and Melbourne, the Pantheon Honor Guard Group, the Bersaglieri Group and the ‘Stefano Pugliese’ Italian Navy Group.

Father Vito Pegolo during Mass in the packed hall. (Photo: Frank Di Blasi)

A golden silk crucifix and a tricolour backdrop designed by Frank Di Blasi, the event coordinator, set the stage for the solemn religious ceremony.

Organised by the 2025 Festa della Repubblica committee with the vital support of club director Elvio De Papa, this event officially launched the 79th anniversary celebrations of the Italian Republic.

The Mass coincided with the Catholic feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ and the 120th anniversary of the death of Saint Giovanni Battista Scalabrini, founder of the Scalabrinian Missionaries and patron saint of migrants.

Many elderly Italian migrants who arrived in Australia in their youth attended the event with great emotion, a testament to their enduring connection to their roots, faith and Italian values.

One of the most poignant moments was the solemn entrance of the military and veteran associations, who honoured the fallen with flags, medals and a floral wreath placed at the commemorative monument, accompanied by a moving rendition of Il Silenzio.

Two representatives at a time stood as a guard of honour beside the altar during the Mass, a sign of respect for the Italian Republic.

Frank Di Blasi welcomed guests, the celebrant and Italian dignitaries, emphasising the importance of remembering the past, especially for younger generations, and highlighting how such occasions bring the community together in prayer and hope for peace, especially in light of current global conflicts.

During the offertory, gifts were brought to the altar by members of regional associations, including long-standing couples from the community: Peter and Anna Maria Balassone, Fernando and Connie Cardinale, and Cesare and Joan Presta.

The choir from the Veneto Club, led by maestro Giuliano Di Ienno and accompanied on organ by Raffaele Rossi, provided solemn music throughout the service.

The Veneto Club choir

The ceremony concluded with heartfelt thanks to all those who contributed to its success. Amid warm applause and a strong sense of community pride, the stage of the Casa D’Abruzzo Club became the setting for official speeches that captured the spirit of unity shared by the more than 3500 attendees on that memorable Sunday.

Fernando Cardinale, president of the Abruzzese association in Epping, warmly welcomed the crowd and thanked the participating clubs and the organising committee for their dedication.

Veteran associations laying a wreath in honour of fallen soldiers

Italian MP Nicola Carè paid tribute to the postwar generations of Italian migrants. “You laid the foundations of a new Italy, sending resources, values and hope back home. You are the Republic,” he declared.

A particularly meaningful speech came from Chiara Mauri, Consul General of Italy in Melbourne, who reminded attendees that June 2, 1946, not only marked the birth of the Republic, but also the first time Italian women were able to vote; a pivotal moment in the nation’s democratic and social evolution.

“Today, we celebrate not just the Republic, but the courage to choose change,” she said, also acknowledging the vital role of the Italian community abroad as a cultural bridge between nations.

Ubaldo Aglianò, President of Com.It.Es. Victoria and Tasmania and chief coordinator of the Republic Day celebration, thanked all participants and acknowledged the months of hard work by the committee behind the scenes to make the event a success.

“Seventy-nine years on, Italians still have a profound desire to celebrate their identity and sense of community,” he said.

Left to right: Nicola Carè MP, Fernando Cardinale, Ubaldo Aglianò, Chiara Mauri and Michela Pellizon

Gratitude was also expressed for key contributors like Frank Di Blasi and Casa D’Abruzzo general manager Elvio Del Papa, both described as “pillars” of a growing and vibrant community.

Closing the event, Michela Pellizon of Co.As.It. spoke with grace and simplicity about the organisation’s mission to help families maintain a connection to their Italian heritage.

“This beautiful celebration reminds us of who we are,” Pellizon said.

“At Co.As.It., that’s exactly what we do - help you reconnect with your roots.”