The 2017 Columbus Italian Festival theme:

BISHOP WATTERSON: “ONE CULTURE MANY REGIONS”.  This year we are thrilled the Italian language students from Bishop Watterson High School have worked diligently in their 2016/17 school year to successfully prepare for their public presentations on the regions of Italy, in their own festival booth from 2:00 to 4:00 on Saturday, Oct 7.   This inaugural event of a local high school and community festival has caught the attention of the respected Italian Consulate’s in several states.

ONLY ONCE during the festival.  

 5:00 pm, on Saturday, Oct 7, The Italian language students will say THE ROSARY in St. John the Baptist Church, the Hail Mary will be said half in Italian, half in English. Every festival guest is welcome to join, this beautiful moment. 

 7:30 pm on Saturday, Oct 7, The San Giovanni Dancers are joined on stage by Watterson HS Students. After several lessons from Director Claudio Pasean, The Italian language arts students will demonstrate regional dancers with the pro’s. 

“ I’m so proud of my students’ hard work and passionate pursuit of Italian language and culture.  I’m honored that Bishop Watterson HS has been chosen to represent the thriving Italian programs in the Diocese and in Columbus”.  Kelly Lombardo Matthews, Italian Language Teacher Bishop Watterson HS.