Damasceno married at the Vatican

THE VATICAN, ROME, ITALY

It is not every day that someone is married in the Vatican City, Rome, Italy. Clarion University alumni, Nicola Damasceno ('84) became part of this rare group when he wed Grazia Cusano on July 4, 1997.

Damasceno met his future wife during a vacation in Alvignanello, the Italian village where his mother was born and raised. "We didn't find out until later that my mother and Grazia's father knew each other when they were young, and that our two families had known each other for over 100 years," he says.

Grazia, whose family has an olive oil business, always dreamed of being married in the Vatican. Therefore, she sought and received permission for the ceremonies from the Vatican officials.

"The high priest uses guidelines for interviewing and assessing individuals wishing to have their ceremony at the Vatican," says Damasceno. "Several meetings occurred to provide all necessary information for granting permission. During our interview, it was emphasized that first time non-married, Catholic practicing candidates were important."

They were eventually granted a private ceremony with over 100 people attending. Among other Vatican wedding rules they had to follow was having shoulders covered at all times and recommendations that hat and gloves be worn for a formal event.

"After many months of organizing everything from busses for family transportation to the castle San Angelo in Tivoli, where the reception was held, everyone including Grazia and I were overwhelmed with the excitement," says Damasceno. "Getting married at the Vatican provided us, and our guests, with a sense of joy and pride that goes beyond explaining.

"The wedding was on July 4, during the peak tourist season, adding to the energy level. The Pope was invited. However, we were informed that due to health reasons and recent international travels, he could not honor us with his presence, but would say benediction and sign a certificate on our behalf."

Damasceno reports that tourist cameras snapped as the wedding party entered the Vatican for the ceremony. Following the ceremony the receiving line was showered with handfuls of almond candy, much like rice or birdseed are used in the United States.

Nick and Grazia's one-month honeymoon included a cruise to the Greek islands, northern Italy, Venice, Florence, Pisa, and Milan and then on to New York City. They are currently residing in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

Damasceno, who received his degree in management from Clarion, is president of The Pathway Consulting Group of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, which provides executive consulting for Fortune 500 companies. He is currently teamed up with Rutherford Consulting of Dallas, TX, to work on a joint venture project between two American petroleum companies, two Japanese investment groups, and the Russian Federation.

"The business program was what attracted me to attend Clarion," recalls Damasceno, who grew up in Meadville. "I had an excellent educational experience and had the opportunity to hold many local and national offices as a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity."

This included being president and vice president of Clarion University's Interfraternity Council and being Clarion's first regional representative for the Northeast Interfraternity Council. Damasceno also received a Mayor's Award from the Clarion Borough for his efforts during his college years.

Damasceno worked for two other organizations prior to joining Rutherford Consulting. He has traveled throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Europe during the course of his consulting work. He resided in the United Kingdom for several years.