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Date: 5/1/2023
SPRINGFIELD — Thanks to Paul Picknelly, the president and CEO of Monarch Enterprises, Western Massachusetts now has a link to the Italian government.
On March 24, an Italian consulate was officially opened in Picknelly’s office in the Monarch building, offering services such as applications for dual citizenship, birth and death certificates and information for potential business arrangements.
Picknelly himself has been named honorary consul of Italy for Western Massachusetts.
The side office near his own is the consulate office and is now legally a sovereign part of Italy.
In a written statement, Picknelly said, “When a family is experiencing a significant issue like the need to secure a birth or death certificate, this distance and challenge can be overwhelming while waiting to bury a loved one or provide proof-of-birth and nationality for other business. Some of the stories I’ve heard have been heart-breaking. This is something that we had to correct. I am so happy that we have been able to bring the two governments together to do this in Springfield for all the people of Western Massachusetts.”
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno said at the opening, “Paul tirelessly advocated to make sure we have an Italian consulate in downtown Springfield.”
For Picknelly himself this was a highlight in his family’s story. He told the audience of at least 100 people at the dedication that his great-grandparents and their five children moved from Italy to this country 125 years ago. His great-grandfather had to change his name in order to get work here.
The opening of the office was recognized by many citations from the members of the Massachusetts House and Senate as well as from Gov. Maura Healey. Chicopee Mayor John Vieau, Agawam Mayor William Sapelli, and West Springfield Mayor William Reichelt all attended the event. Hampden County Register of Probate Rosemary Saccomani, former state Sen. and first female Majority Leader Linda Melconian, City Councilor Zaida Govan, Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt, South End Citizens
Council President Leo Florian and Italian Cultural Center President Charles Becker also attended.
Arnaldo Minuti, the consul general of Italy based in Boston, attended the event accompanied by a member of the Italian Carabinieri, the national police of Italy. He said he was “thrilled by the reception and thrilled by the wave of support” from the community.
The ceremony also afforded several of the assembled speakers to speak about their Italian heritage and the impact Italian Americans made on Springfield and the region. Sarno noted his parents immigrated at the end of World War II and noted that like all immigrants “they were looking for an opportunity especially after the war.”
Carrying the theme of national pride at the event Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi made Minuti an honorary sheriff’s deputy. Minuti displayed the badge he was wearing on his belt. Cocchi then announced the annual Columbus Day Parade would be returning to Springfield.
The Rev. Robert White, pastor of Springfield’s Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, delivered a benediction in English and in Italian, and his 50th anniversary of his entering the priesthood was noted.
Also honored was former Honorary Consul Giuseppe Polimeni, who served from 1985 to 1992.
The consulate is located on the 25th floor of the Monarch building at 1 Monarch Place.