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Catena Marie Spiritosanto Elected New State Lodge President

During the PA-OSIA State Convention of June 16, 2017, Catena Marie Spiritosanto became the newest State Lodge President. She is only the second woman in the 100 yr. plus history of our State to achieve this office.

Born in South Philadelphia, she spent much time with her Sicilian-born grandparents, who together with her father Vincent J. Spiritosanto, instilled in her great pride & knowledge of the heritage of Italy. She has made numerous trips to Italy & spends time with her cugini in Messina. A proud Temple University graduate, she resides with her husband Joseph P. Clapham in Bucks County, where she became an OSIA member 25 years ago. Professionally she spent over 22 yrs. in the field of Human Services, specifically in agencies serving the Developmentally Disabled. Catena accumulated much experience in Special Education, Staff Training, & Administration of Habilitation & Community Residential Programs.

In the past years of the Grand Lodge of PA-OSIA, Catena was President of Dante Commission for Education and Culture for two terms. In this role she oversaw & implemented the large Scholarship Program, wrote the 'Cultural Corner' column for the 'Sons of Italy Times' newspaper, & gave presentations statewide on cultural / historical topics of Italian American Interests.

Within the National Supreme Lodge:

1) Catena served on the National Education Committee, helping to select annually the student winners of OSIA's National Leadership Grant Competition, who are the students showcased annually at the NELA Event in Washington DC each May.

2) Fulfilled office of 'Resource Person' to the National Committee for Social Justice (CSJ), helping to develop "Positive Image of Italian Americans' Programs & authoring an article published in the CSJ National Convention report.

3) Was chairperson of a CSJ subcommittee 'Positive Image of Italian American Women'.

4) Served five terms ( including currently) as PA National Overseer to the Board of the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum (GMM), located in Staten Island NYC, which is owned by National OSIA. In this role, She attends the Board's quarterly mtgs. & volunteers to spread the word about this unique part of OSIA, & represent GMM at festivals & such events.

We are very grateful to have such a devoted and involved member of OSIA to be leading our state lodge. With her experience throughout the National Supreme Lodge and the Grand Lodge of PA, we immensely grateful for her leadership.


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