New Italian Delicacies from Monsignor Gigantiello
Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello is selling Italian delicacies at this weekend’s parish festival, except for one thing—espresso.
After facing backlash for allowing a risqué music video featuring Princess Pop Sabrina Carpenter to be filmed in a Brooklyn church, Gigantiello is now focusing on redemption. He launched his line of olive oil and wine under the banner “Taste of Heaven” during the annual Our Lady of Carmel Mountain feast in Williamsburg.
In a conversation with the Post, he shared that he permitted Carpenter to film her hit song “Feather” at the church after reviewing the screenplay.
“I thought it might attract younger people to the church. What I saw on paper, however, wasn’t what was filmed at the church,” he admitted.
He expressed regret for not managing the filming more closely, saying, “The reaction was perhaps a bit much.” The music video, which features Carpenter at the altar, sparked significant controversy.
Carpenter defended the church choice by stating, “We got prior approval…and Jesus was a carpenter.”
At 66, Gigantiello faced demotion due to this incident, which he suggested reflected the church’s reputation. He acknowledged being somewhat overwhelmed by the attention but also felt supported by his community.
“The parishioners and local community are fully behind me,” he remarked.
Now, he’s attempting to engage young people with culinary offerings like his tomato sauce and wine, and the initial reception has been positive.
“People love it. Someone even joked I could be the new Martha Stewart,” he said, smiling.
Gigantiello has been selling his tomato sauce for about a year, using it as an informal way to draw in younger churchgoers. Notably, Williamsburg has a large millennial demographic, and he strives to connect with them through food.
His background in the culinary arts, as a graduate of the American Culinary Institute, gives him an edge. Before entering seminary around age 30, he worked professionally as a chef and cooking instructor.
“It’s all about hospitality—we want people to feel welcomed. Jesus often dined with people, and that’s the vibe we’re aiming for,” he explained.
His expansions into olive oil and wine felt like a natural progression. He’s also working on a cookbook titled “Heavenly Tastes from Brooklyn,” which will feature staples of Italian cuisine.
The prices are reasonable, with sauce at $10 and both olive oil and wine at $20 each. A bundle deal is available for $45.
They all feature his image in clerical attire, aiming to attract attention and perhaps create a unique appeal.
“People notice the collars on the products; I think it helps,” he said, with a hint of humor.
While he believes his sauce is good—perhaps not better than others—he thinks it carries an enticing reputation. “It’s a heavenly taste, maybe that’s why people lean toward mine,” he mused.
During the first two days of the feast, many have already purchased his products, which coincide with the festival’s famous event—a dramatic procession with a large statue carried by a dedicated group known as the “lifters.”
Although it’s early to assess the impact of his product line, Gigantiello assured that all proceeds benefit the St. Peter for Humanity Foundation, helping to meet children’s medical needs globally.
He noted that unlike nuns or monks, priests are allowed to own property. For instance, he owns a $700,000 home, sharing it with another pastor.
For Gigantiello, earning money for charity is a bonus. His primary goal remains to create a sense of community through food, hosting Sunday dinners post-Mass to engage younger members. “Let’s go to church, then enjoy a meal together,” he encouraged.
