The Italian American community of New Jersey gathered on Sunday, October 26, at “Il Capriccio” restaurant in Whippany to celebrate Monsignor Hilary Franco, one of the most respected figures in the Catholic Church in the United States and a long-standing pillar of the Italian diaspora.
The event, organized by the Knights of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (OMRI) in New Jersey and chaired by Commendatore Giulio Picolli, marked Monsignor Franco’s seventy years of priesthood. Over the course of his life, Franco has served six Popes — soon to be seven — and continues his pastoral work at the Holy See.
Representatives from Italian and Italian American associations and institutions attended the gala, with the shared goal of strengthening unity across the community’s religious, political, and diplomatic spheres. The evening began with a cocktail reception, followed by a dinner prepared by chef Tony Grande, owner of “Il Capriccio,” who hosted the event and covered much of its cost.
Several honors were presented during the evening. The OMRI Knights awarded Monsignor Franco the Lifetime Achievement Award for his service to the Church and community. The New Jersey State Senate, through Senator Joe Pennacchio, issued an official proclamation dedicating the day to Monsignor Franco, while New York-based artist Natalyia De Gera gifted a painted portrait. The association Ieri, Oggi e Domani, celebrating its 44th anniversary, presented a commemorative plaque, and East Hanover Mayor Joseph Pannullo offered a special municipal proclamation.
Among the attending dignitaries were Hon. Francesca La Marca, elected in the North America constituency, who highlighted efforts to strengthen services for Italians abroad, and Alessandra Oliva, Deputy Consul General of Italy in New York, who emphasized the importance of cooperation between Italian institutions and local communities.
A symbolic gesture came from Cavaliere Dino Clemente, who presented a handmade bread sculpture over five feet in diameter, shaped like a heart and illuminated from within, bearing the monsignor’s name. The piece, displayed at the entrance, was described as a tribute to a man often referred to as the “beating heart” of his community.
The evening concluded with an emotional address by Monsignor Franco, who shared stories from his seventy years of ministry. His words were met with deep respect and attention, closing a night that blended devotion, gratitude, and community spirit. An unexpected moment — a double blessing due to a scheduling mishap — added a touch of uniqueness to the celebration, marking it as a night to be remembered.
