The Italians Remember

The Italian community of Santa Barbara has been well served by having Father Virgil Cordano for so many years. Many of early Italian immigrants to Santa Barbara felt at “home” in having Father Cordano say Mass for them in their native tougue. Many of the early immigrants relied on Father Cordano for their spiritual needs since he was able to speak to them in Italian. Father Cordano also served as Chaplain of the Italian Catholic Federation for many years.

He loved Italian Food, especially “polenta and stufato,” or corn meal and stew. One of his favorite songs he would sing at the Italian feste was about polenta.

Father Cordano loved living with a positive attitude and had a big smiles for everyone. He lived each day as it was the most important day of his life. He taught us to love one another, no matter of color, race or creed. We here in Santa Barbara are very fortunate to have had Father Virgil with us for so many years. We thank him for his services, his homilies, and his love for us.