July 9, 2026 - A Journey Home: Returning a Patron Saint's Banner to Italy.

For decades, an incredible antique hand-done banner has been a cherished part of our collection. We've always appreciated its history and craftsmanship, but recently its story took an incredible turn that I am so deeply thrilled to share.

A couple years ago, an Italian lawyer named Potito Moscato was searching online for "Ascoli Satriano" and happened to spot the banner on our website. As it turns out, this specific piece depicts their patron saint, Saint Potito. Seeing this symbol of their ancestors' devotion preserved for so long, they knew they had to bring it back to Italy—after it had spent over eighty years residing here in the United States and at least 40 of those years in my Fathers collection!

It took some time to work out everything while they arranged its return. Making this dream a reality took a truly amazing team effort. Francesco Vasciminno generously purchased the banner to ensure its journey home to Mappano. Meanwhile, Kimberly Torrelli Zacherl (who should be Canonized for all her hard work through the whole process!) and her cousin, Emanuele Flagella, were extraordinary handling the overseas logistics and language support. They were wonderful to work with the entire time, patient, understanding, and I truly enjoyed jostling through all the translations and various back and forth -- just terrific people.

The banner officially made its return during a deeply emotional two-day celebration on February 7th and 8th earlier this year. Kimberly reached out to share some wonderful photos and updates about the event. The banner was beautifully presented—initially covered by a white sheet before being unveiled in the presence of the local bishop, all accompanied by a parade! In one of the photos from when they first opened it, you can even see our shipping box sitting proudly on the floor next to it, a small testament to its long journey.

Here is a translated excerpt from the heartfelt message they shared about the event:

"Two intense days of emotions and culture in honor of our Saint Patron Potito. The dream of bringing back to Italy a laborer that for over eighty years resided in the United States of America has come true. All of this was possible by a great team work... A unique emotion that we will not forget, and the satisfaction of having been able to bring back to Italy something that reminds us of the devotion of our overseas grandparents for our Saint Patron and the love for our Ascoli."

This reunion means the world to me on a personal level. My own grandparents came to America from Turin, Italy, when they were just seven years old. Being able to safely send this beautiful piece of history back to Italy feels like a wonderful, full-circle moment for my own family's story.

I am so incredibly happy to have helped them bring their patron saint home. The connections we make through these historical pieces are truly special, and seeing the joy it brought their community is exactly why we do what we do.

Below are some of the beautiful photos and a video from the unveiling in Mappano, Italy, including the presentation with the bishop and the banner finally standing proudly back in its homeland.
 

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2-Used-Church-Items-Italy-Banner-Unveiling

3-Used-Church-Items-Italy-Banner-Parade

4-Used-Church-Items-Italy-Banner-Proud

5-Used-Church-Items-Italy-Banner-Group