During the handover ceremony of the bell, the “Key Award” was also presented to Giuseppe Raiola and Domenico Salerno. Four new members welcomed
CATANZARO – 21 JULY 2025. An extraordinary social year, made up of 51 services and over 400 hours of activities for the territory, concluded last Friday with an intense and well-attended ceremony, which marked the handover of the bell between Dr. Pietro Maglio and lawyer Vincenzo Gallo, new President of the Lions Club Catanzaro Host for the 2025/2026 social year.
The event took place at the Country Club Le Querce, in the presence of Lions authorities, members, representatives of other clubs and local institutions.
“A simple gesture, but full of meaning – said Maglio in his opening speech – which represents the continuity of service, shared responsibility and the commitment that is renewed, year after year. With emotion and gratitude I conclude my mandate, aware that I have given my all to this club that I consider a family.”
Looking back at the year just ended, Maglio recalled: “A year ago I received this bell with respect and a sense of duty. Ours is a club rich in history and values, which has given the association three governors and which, I am sure, will continue to produce many reference figures for Lionism. We have achieved important results together, and the credit goes to everyone: to teamwork, to the passion and generosity that each member has been able to put into play.”
Among the most heartfelt thanks, those addressed to the board members, past presidents, his mentor Giuseppe Raiola and the friends and guides who accompanied his journey, but also to his family: “Thanks to my wife Lucia, for her patience and silent but constant support. To my children Miriam and Nicola, for their hugs when I return and for reminding me every day what really matters. And thanks to my parents, Mary and Nicola, for raising me true and free: a gift I carry with me in every choice.”
There was also a special thought for the President who preceded him:
“The greatest thanks go to my brotherly friend Danilo Iannello – and his wife Maria Laura Romeo – who was close to me and gave me the right advice in continuation of his mandate, with his innate loyalty and courtesy. To him, a great example of Lionism, I wish the best.”
And again: “Being a Lion means believing in a world where people build bridges, not walls. Where peace is promoted, not war. That’s why I will continue to commit myself with the same enthusiasm. Serving is our task, and it is what gives deep meaning to our commitment.”
The new President Vincenzo Gallo took up the baton with determination:
“I thank you all for your affection and trust. For me it is an honor, but also a great commitment. Together with Past President Pietro Maglio I experienced an exciting year: we supported each other, encouraged each other, shared every moment, sustained by our friendship. It is with this spirit that I want to lead the club: with passion, a spirit of service and a desire to involve everyone.”
Outlining the priorities of his mandate, Gallo emphasized: “I deeply believe in the value of Friendship and the strength of collaboration. Our club can only grow if everyone feels an active part of a common project. The experience of long-standing members and the energy of the younger ones must merge into a shared vision. Our task – as Lions – is to leave future generations a world possibly better than the one we found.”
Among the objectives for the new year, the promotion of concrete services, the enhancement of ties with the Leos and with other associations, and the care of internal relations: “We must act as one big Lion family. We will continue, in the footsteps of those who preceded us – Pietro but also the dear Danilo Iannello, a constant presence and inexhaustible source of support and advice –, to commit ourselves to Solidarity and Inclusion, to work for the Community, with seriousness but also with lightness: creating opportunities to strengthen bonds and build new friendships.”
The new President, after thanking his wife Cristina and his dearest loved ones, then presented the team that will support him in the new social year: lawyer Yves Catanzaro (secretary), Dr. Roberta Bianchi (ceremonial officer) and Dr. Pietro Siragusa (treasurer).
The ceremony welcoming the new members was also moving: Professor Gennarina Arabia (sponsor Maria Chiara Vincelli), Dr. Marianna De Lellis (sponsor Pietro Maglio), Dr. Raffaele Gangale (sponsor Maria Chiara Vincelli) and Dr. Giuseppe Stranieri (sponsor Giuseppe Raiola).
During the evening, the prestigious Key Award was presented to Dr. Giuseppe Raiola, for having introduced 20 members, and to Dr. Domenico Salerno, who introduced five: an important recognition, which rewards the commitment to growing the club and transmitting Lionistic values to new energies.
Among the institutional speeches, that of the president of Zone 25 of the X Circumscription of District 108 Ya Dr. Gregorio De Vinci who recalled being welcomed into the club 25 years ago as a young Leo: “An excellent year led by Pietro. To Vincenzo I extend my best wishes: he will be able to carry on the work with enthusiasm and a sense of responsibility.”
The President of the X Circumscription Dr. Filomena Zungri, at her first official appearance in her new role, emphasized the strength of the club: “Almost 70 years of presence in the area, constant activity, a caring and attentive soul to culture. Your services have been an example of how Lionism can be concrete and incisive. Let’s continue to collaborate, only by joining forces can we leave a mark.”
The President of the Board of Directors of the Lions Foundation and Past Governor Dr. Franco Scarpino recalled the 439 hours of service carried out by the club: “A figure that speaks for itself. And I am sure that Vincenzo, whom I have always known, will be an authoritative and sensitive guide. Being a Lion is not just belonging to a club, but living every day a commitment made of duties and responsibilities towards the community.”
To close the evening, the second District Vice Governor Dr. Gianfranco Ucci, who reiterated the link between leadership and service, and the immediate Past District Governor Dr. Tommaso Di Napoli, who sent a clear message: “Lead to serve, serve to lead: this is the heart of Lionism that looks to the future. In a rapidly changing world, we must remain faithful to our values and commit ourselves every day to doing what is right, not just what is convenient. Only in this way will we be credible and useful to our communities.”
With the handover of the bell, the Lions Club Catanzaro Host is preparing to face a new social year in the spirit of continuity, openness and active participation, confirming itself as a bastion of civil, social and cultural commitment for the entire community.