On the morning of November 23, 2025, the National Carabinieri Association – Queens Chapter, together with the Military Advisor’s Office of Italy’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, held a solemn Mass at the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel to celebrate the Virgo Fidelis, marking the 76th anniversary of her proclamation as the Patron Saint of the Carabinieri.
The ceremony—concelebrated by Father Formica, Pastor Father José Ortega, and Father Carmelo Gagliardi—was attended by Major General Alfonso Manzo, Military Advisor to Italy’s Permanent Mission to the UN; Vice Consul Laura Perino; and Antonio Ferri, President of the National Carabinieri Association of New York. Several military and veterans’ associations were also present, along with a large and engaged Italian-American community.
At the end of the celebration, General Manzo read the official message from the Commanding General of the Carabinieri, Lieutenant General Salvatore Luongo, addressed to President Ferri. He then highlighted the unwavering dedication of the Carabinieri, who throughout the decades have honored their oath—at times to the ultimate sacrifice. General Manzo also recalled the heroic action at Culquaber in 1941, as well as the 77th Day of the Orphan organized by the National Assistance Program for the Orphans of the Carabinieri.
Vice Consul Perino followed with words of gratitude for the men and women of the Carabinieri, emphasizing not only their service but also the essential support provided by their families, both in Italy and abroad.
The ceremony concluded with a final blessing from Father Formica and the shared hope of coming together again next year to honor the Virgo Fidelis and the values that unite the Carabinieri and the Italian community in New York.
