Early in the afternoon of Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, our Friar Bonaventura FEBBO of the Province of St. Bernardine and St. Angelo in Italy (Abruzzo-Molise) was called to the Father’s House at the age of eighty-seven. He passed away in the Provincial infirmary at Silvi Marina (Italy), where he had resided for about a year. His return to the Lord came on the day the Church celebrates the memory of the Proto Martyrs of Japan, a fitting conclusion to a life dedicated to spreading the Gospel and caring for God’s people.
Friar Bonaventura was born in Brecciarol, Italy, on May 26, 1937, to Francesco and Chiara MORESCO. At thirteen he approached the Conventual Franciscan family, joining the Missionary Crusade in Assisi in 1950. In 1956, he completed his novitiate year and made his simple profession on September 29, 1956. He joined the Province of Abruzzo and Molise on June 29, 1959, and made his solemn profession, in Assisi, on October 11, 1959. He completed his theology studies in Assisi and Penne (Italy) and was ordained to the priesthood on February 16, 1964.
After a period of study at the Pontifical Lateran Institute (1964-1965), in the field of pastoral theology, he was transferred to Penne, where he served as a teacher and the Vice-Rector of Postulants. In 1969, he began serving as the Assistant Pastor at the San Pio X Church in L’Aquila (Italy). From 1972 to 1987, he served as a Pastor in Pescara (Italy). He then served as the Rector of the clerical students at the Franciscanum in Assisi (1987–1989) and as the Guardian and Pastor in L’Aquila from 1990 to 2000. In July 2000, he returned to Pescara as the Guardian and was also appointed the Head of the Diocesan Office for the Lay Apostolate by the Most Reverend Francesco CUCCARESE, Archbishop of Pescara-Penne, Italy.
After a brief period in Civitella del Tronto (Italy – 2012–2013), he was elected the Guardian of the friary in Castelvecchio Subequo (Italy) and was appointed the Pastor in 2013. From 2016 until November 2024, he resided in Pescara, facing his battle with Alzheimer’s disease, which eventually made it impossible for him to continue his priestly ministry. In November of 2024, he received his final obedience and was transferred to the Provincial infirmary in Silvi Marina, where he peacefully passed away.
Friar Bonaventure served his religious Province with generosity and dedication, holding the roles of Guardian, Pastor and Provincial Definitor. His life was particularly marked by intensive pastoral service. He was an animator of the M.I., the OFS and the Mission Center; as well as an initiator and promoter of the St. Francis soup kitchen, which is adjacent to the friary in Pescara, and the Neocatechumenal Way at the same location, which gradually grew into a community of thousands of faithful in the Pescara area.
“Bonny,” as he was affectionately called by his friends, is remembered with fondness and respect by all who knew him. He had a gentle and serene nature, making any friar who approached him feel welcome. His simplicity and the ease with which he faced challenges and situations were legendary, and he imparted the same trust to others.
His funeral was celebrated on Saturday, February 8, 2025, with the Minister Provincial, Mauro M. DE FILIPPIS DELFICO, presiding. The event took place at the St. Anthony Parish in Pescara, a church that for many years was the center of his pastoral ministry. The Mass was attended by many friars, priests and the lay faithful in particular, who were drawn by their deep affection and respect for his tireless service. Notably, many young people who had been deeply touched by him attended the service. His body was then buried at the friars’ cemetery at the friary in Civitella del Tronto, where he now rests in the peace of the Lord alongside other confreres who shared the journey with him.
With affection and gratitude, we remember him in prayer, entrusting him to the mercy of God.
