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Watch Mary B. Relotto on 60 Minutes

From 1950 to 1970, the Vatican sent thousands of Italian children to American Catholics for adoption.

The children came on orphan visas — but most of them were not orphans; they were the children of unwed mothers, many of whom were alive.

Bill Whitaker speaks with Mary B. and other American adoptees who are still searching for their Italian families on 60 Minutes.
“You must find the time to read ‘For One Piece of Bread’ Mary B. Relotto’s telling of her fascinating journey through a maze of childhood that began in Italy and somehow brought her to Ohio. It is a well told story of secrets, family, endurance, and love.”
— Beth Vogel
"When Mary sent me the first 75 pages of her manuscript and asked me to read them, I was making coffee at my kitchen counter. I have known Mary for years and consider her a dear friend, so I knew much of her story. I did not expect that it would hold me captive that morning. How wrong I was! I opened the file to give it a quick scan, but it quickly pulled me in. I did not get the coffee made; I did not move to sit at the table. I was riveted in place until I had read all 75 pages. And all I wanted was more." 
— Tamera Bryant
"When adoption at three years old could have given her a different life, Relotto made a life of working hard, loving people and  giving back.  However, she never waivered in her determination to find her roots in Italy, her birth country. For One Piece of Bread explores her research and her incredible journey to answer the questions that had lingered in her mind for years.  The book is a sentimental journey into her life and love of family, and a rare and interesting revelation about overseas adoptions in the 1960s and 70s."
— Barbara Radebaugh

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