Auburn family welcomes priest from Italian birthplace

“My father told us, ‘Listen, when you come to America, you’ll find dollars on the street,'” Saltarello told The Citizen. 

His siblings recalled a similar feeling that the United States was a land of possibility. 

“I thought everyone lived comfortably,” Assunta said. “If you don’t work, you don’t have a chance.”

Their father, Giuseppe Saltarello, held various jobs but was a shoemaker by trade. He had a shop on North Street, where the Holiday Inn is now located. He would travel back and forth to Italy, but saving money to make sure his whole family would eventually immigrate. They traveled second-class during the nine-day trip, bunking with strangers and passing the time with games. 

From left, Paolo Saltarello of the Cultural Italian American Organization in Auburn is seated with his mother, Lucia Saltarello, and sister Mary Assunta on a boat from Italy to the United States in 1964.

Provided

Saltarello and Assunta turned 16 and 20 during the trip, respectively, and celebrated the birthdays at sea. Setting foot on U.S. soil was a gift worth the wait.

“We got up early to see the lights of the New York harbor,” Saltarello said, recalling the picture slowly coming together. Faint lights led to bridges, buildings and then skyscrapers. 

“Seeing the Statue of Liberty, it got really emotional,” he continued.

Assunta, who would eventually work at Dunn & McCarthy, touted her brother’s accomplishments. By 19, he was a barber. He owned a few businesses on Owasco Street, and still cuts hair at the Cayuga County Jail. In 2014, he and nine others started CIAO to celebrate their heritage and Auburn’s Italian population.

From left, the Rev. Don Leonardo Catalano, Paolo Saltarello of the Cultural Italian American Organization, Mary Assunta and Mariela Beccia, Catalano’s mother, at St. Francis of Assisi Church on Aug. 25.

Christopher Malone

Continuing traditions

After a decade, CIAO continues to build community in Auburn. The group’s efforts go beyond Italian-Americans, embracing Auburn as a whole.

Whether it’s attending Founder’s Day, selling pizza fritte to raise funds, hosting dinners or honoring community members, Saltarello wants to be part of it. 

In July, the group donated $1,100 to SS. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, which was raised by selling pizza fritte at the church’s annual Ukrainian Heritage Festival. 

As for the group itself, Saltarello and Assunta hope younger generations get involved. They understand there are a lot of youth activities, like sports and clubs, that dominate time.

Faith is the same way, they feel. Religion isn’t what it used to be. But Catalano, from his perspective as a priest, remains optimistic. 

“Traditions have changed. The faith has been a lot stronger,” he said. “Even though times have changed, the states of the love and traditions keep going.”

Gallery: Italian priest pays special visit to Auburn

St. Francis of Assisi Church in Auburn welcomes Don Leonardo Catalano of Biccari, Italy, second from left, during a pasta dinner following Mass.

Christopher Malone

Paolo Saltarello greets parishioners ahead of Mass on Sunday at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Auburn.

Christopher Malone

A procession follows Mass on Sunday at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Auburn.

Christopher Malone

From left, the Rev. Don Leonardo Catalano, Paolo Saltarello of the Cultural Italian American Organization, Mary Assunta and Mariela Beccia, Catalano’s mother, at St. Francis of Assisi Church on Aug. 25.

Christopher Malone

Don Leonardo Catalano of Biccari, Italy, leads Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Auburn.

Christopher Malone

Don Leonardo Catalano of Biccari, Italy, leads Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Auburn.

Christopher Malone

Don Leonardo Catalano of Biccari, Italy, leads Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Auburn.

Christopher Malone

Parishioners at St. Francis of Assisi’s grotto. 

Christopher Malone

Parishioners gather at St. Francis of Assisi’s grotto as Don Leonardo Catalano leads a procession.

Christopher Malone

Parishioners gather at St. Francis of Assisi’s grotto as Don Leonardo Catalano leads a procession.

Christopher Malone

Staff writer Christopher Malone can be reached at (315) 282-2232 or [email protected].

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Publish date : 2024-08-29 23:30:00

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