2026 American Catholic Press Benefit

The American Catholic Press (ACP) benefit will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026. Reception and silent auction begins at 6:00 p.m. with dinner starting at 7:00 p.m. The venue for this benefit is Glenwoodie Golf Club, in Glenwood, Illinois. You get there by going south on I-57 Expressway, exiting eastbound at Vollmer Road, and turning south on Western Avenue. Just after Joe Orr Road, you turn west, on the west side of Western, onto Country Club Road. After about a quarter mile, you come to a watchman and a barrier; the club is gated. You identify yourself to the watchman at the gate; just say that you are there for the American Catholic Press benefit. The watchman then causes the barrier to go up. You then proceed forward and park in the lot in front of the main building, which you enter. No further identification is required. Click here for a local map of the area. Here is a link to a video of Olympia Fields Country Club.

The Gratiam Dei Award

The 2026 Gratiam Dei Award is given to Giacomo Mancini.

Giacomo Mancini

Giacomo Mancini, son of Gennaro Antonio Mancini and Michelina Mondella Mancini, was born in the small town of Roccaromana, located about 50 kilometers northeast of Naples, Italy. The region was, and continues to be, a close-knit agricultural community rooted in hard work and tradition.

In August 1968, Giacomo met a young woman named Maria, who had returned to Italy with her family for a vacation from the United States. Their relationship quickly blossomed, and from that moment Giacomo began dreaming of building a future with Maria in America.

Before pursuing those dreams, Giacomo answered his country’s call to service. In 1969, he entered the Italian Army, fulfilling the mandatory military service required of all young Italian men at that time. He proudly served for 18 months.

Determined to create a better future, Giacomo moved to Switzerland in 1971 to work and save money for his journey to the United States. On January 29, 1972, he arrived in America on a three-month visa, where he was warmly welcomed by Maria and the entire Porrino family. A few months later, on April 22, 1972, Giacomo and Maria were married at San Rocco Parish in Chicago Heights. Together, they built a loving family founded on faith, devotion, and strong values, sharing more than 54 wonderful years of marriage.

On February 28, 1972, Giacomo began working at Borg-Warner Automotive Manufacturing in Frankfort, Illinois. His career there spanned 40 years, ending with his retirement in 2013. Early in his career, he enrolled in a Tool and Die apprenticeship program. After successfully completing the program, he continued his education, earning an Associate Degree in Arts and Sciences, followed by a degree in Manufacturing Engineering. His education, dedication, and leadership led to promotions overseeing the tool room, as well as the departments of design and manufacturing engineering.

Throughout his career at Borg-Warner, Giacomo designed and patented three manufacturing products that continue to be used in the industry today. He also played a key role in training and certifying technical support personnel and helped assemble and lead a team of engineers in opening a manufacturing plant in Juarez, Mexico.

Outside of his professional accomplishments, Giacomo has always been deeply committed to his community and his love of soccer. In 1980, he joined a group of coaches to establish the OTYA Soccer League. Over the next 25 years, he coached players at many levels, including serving as coach of the Bloom High School Varsity Soccer Team.

Giacomo is also an active member of several Italian American organizations, including the Marchegiana Society of Chicago Heights, Amaseno Lodge #3, the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans, Italian American organizations in Chicago, and the Knights of Columbus Council #997. He currently serves as President of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, Lodge 1430.

Known for his generosity and dedication, Giacomo continues to volunteer his time in support of local community programs and families in need. Above all, he considers himself truly blessed to share his life with a wonderful family and many cherished friends.

Giacomo Mancini richly deserves our Gratiam Dei Award.