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Antonino & Nunzia (Ciaccio) Mangiaracina
Antonino &
Nunzia (Ciaccio) Mangiaracina were both born in Sambuca, Sicily.
Antonino
joined his brother who was already in the United States on May
7, 1894. Nunzia came to the United States in 1896 arriving with
her father Alberto. Her mother Vita came later.
They were
married in Houma, Louisiana at St. Francis De Sales Church on
July 30, 1898 and were blessed with 14 children. Two of the
children were born in Houma and the other twelve were born in
Chicago.
Eventually
they moved to Chicago and purchased their first and only home at
1036 N. Orleans St.
Antonino
worked for the railroad for a time and later worked as a janitor
until his retirement. Nunzia took care of the family.
Nunzia’s
religious beliefs were very deep and she had a lot of devotion
to the Blessed Mother under the title of Maria SS. Dell
‘Udienza. She was the president of the ladies society and was
very dedicated to this organization. It has been noted that she
went from door to door asking for donations to purchase the
crystal crown that was on the statue of Maria SS. Dell ‘Udienza
during the Societies annual religious feast.
Nunzia also
had a strong belief in the power of faith and prayer and she was
considered to be a faith healer. While she believed in doctors
and would refer people to see the doctor she believed in the
power of faith an prayer to help heal.
Nunzia loved
her family dearly and it has been said that on her deathbed
Nunzia told her daughter Anna, who was with her at the time, to
say No to St. Anne when she was visited by the Saint. St. Anne
visited Anna and Anna said No as instructed by her mother. St.
Anne said that she (St. Anne) would once again return in seven
generations to ask someone in the family if they would accept
the gift of the power of healing.
Antonino was a
farmer in Sambuca and took his knowledge of growing things to
America with him. His Garden had grape vines and vegetables
growing from Spring through Fall. In addition to gardening
Antonino made home made wine and the BEST soup. He was also
blessed with a beautiful voice and loved to sing Sicilian songs.
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Story submitted by: Anthony N.
Mangiaracina
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