Eviva Maria Madonna della Civita: The Eternal Bond of the Itrani Immigrants of Cranston, Rhode Island with Their Homeland of Itri, Italy, and Their Unwavering Faith to the Madonna

Bernadette Conte shares a story of the origin of an Italian-American Roman Catholic parish in the early twentieth century and her personal story of faith in her first book Eviva Maria, Madonna della Civita.The Italian-American parish of Saint Mary’s in the village of Knightsville in Cranston, Rhode Island, was founded by immigrants from the town of Itri in Latina, Italy. The parish is one of many Italian-American and other ethnic parishes in the Diocese of Providence. The founding of St. Mary’s parish is bound not only to the desire of the Itrani immigrants to hear Mass and receive the sacraments in their own language, but to the spiritual history and enduring faith shared by the immigrants and their paesani (fellow countrymen) in Itri. This faith centers on the intercession of the mother of Christ under the title La Madonna della Civita.The Madonna, also known as Saint Mary or the Virgin Mary, is the mother of Jesus through divine intervention. Christians believe that her son Jesus is the Christ (i.e., the messiah) and God the Son Incarnate.Conte recounts the story of how for many years the Itrani immigrants sought permission from the Bishop to have a parish in which their own language was spoken and, moreover, one in which they were not discriminated against. As a descendant of one of the Itrani immigrant families, Conte was nurtured in an environment that shared this history and was pervaded by an unceasing faith in God and belief in the intercessory powers of La Madonna della Civita. By blending her personal story with that of her ancestors and peers in the community of Knightsville, Conte tells a remarkable story of faith in action.The book is recommended for readers interested in the history of early twentieth century immigrants, national churches, diocesan history, the Roman Catholic faith, and the mother of Christ.

Thank you Bernadette for the efforts extended to compile this information into one very informative book. Antonio Manzo, one of the original group involved in petitioning for the formation of St Mary's, was my grandfather. His daughter, Mary Palmy Manzo Marrese, my mother. My siblings and I were raised in this special community, attended and received sacraments at St Mary's Church, two attended St Mary's School. We were well versed in the background of the struggle and faith of our forebears to continue the devotion to their and our Madonna della Civita. The fourth generation of Grandpa Tony's family,bringing their children, gather from local and far each July to honor our Blessed Mother and strengthen family ties. My mom (94) and her brother Frank are still here to share their memories and pass on their wondrous faith and love for our Madonna della Civita. Down to the youngest we proudly remain Itraans.

This book is a treasure. The author traces the heritage of the Itrani immigrants. From Itri to Our little city of Cranston, RI we follow the story of faith of these people. A faith and tradition which was so sacred to them that they established a sister church in this country of which their lives were centered around; The church of Madonna Della CIvita. We call this church St. Mary's church. The devotion and love of this wonderful group of Italians is portrayed in this book.It is filled with amazing pictures and stories and even tells of the beautiful miracles that took place in This beautiful church. And their love and devotion of the Madonna.I strongly advise you to buy this book and feel the richness of the people. Bernadette Conte did an exceptional job presenting this story. I loved it!!

This is the church I grew up and made all my sacraments in. The story is wonderful and true to the writings. I was very satisfied with the book, the history of the Italian immigrants, the photos of the priests of old and new and the beautiful depiction of the feasts I enjoyed as a child. Wonderful read. Molto bene !!!!!!!

Found the book very interesting especially I was born and raised in Cranston. It kept my interest because I wanted to know where the saint ended up. I remember as a child my own grandmother marching thru knightsville and going with her. This was a big event then. In my opinion the book was written well.

Bernadette Conte's book, Eviva Maria Madonna Della Civita is a lovely story about the immigrants to Knightsville, a Little Italy in Cranston, Rhode Island. Her heartfelt journey and her reverence for the Madonna della Civita is a journey everyone should follow. Thank you, Bernadette!

Excellent and interesting book. Very factual and very interesting. Very well written. Love it.

Excellent job done by the author, very informative and well documented.