On Saturday, December 17,2022, Friar Andrea CALABRIA was ordained to the priesthood and Friars Gracianta Amor GINTING and Adri Egiya SITEPU were ordained to the diaconate. The ordinations took place in the splendid and historic setting of the Church of St. Francesco in Brescia, Italy.
The solemn Mass began at 10:30 a.m., presided over by our confrere, the Most Reverend François-Xavier BUSTILLO, OFM Conv., Bishop of Ajaccio, France. The bishop also conferred the priesthood upon Friar Andrea. Friar Andrea is a member of the Italian Province of St. Anthony of Padua (Northern Italy) and a member of the Santi Felice e Fortunato Friary in Cologna Veneta, Italy. In addition, Bishop BUSTILLO conferred the diaconate upon Friar Gracianta Amor and Friar Adri Egiya. Both friars are members of the Province of Mary Immaculate in Indonesia and are in formation at the formation houses in Padua and Camposampiero, Italy.
Many priests and religious participated in the celebration, including the Minister Provincial of the Italian Province of St. Anthony of Padua, Friar Roberto BRANDINELLI; the Assistant General for the Federazione Inter-mediterranea Ministri Provinciali (FIMP), Friar Giovanni VOLTAN; the pastor of Friar Andrea’s home parish in Palazzolo sull’Oglio (Brescia), Father Paolo SALVADORI; the Guardian of the friary in Cologna Veneta, Friar Andrea ARVALLI and many friars from the Province of Indonesia who are currently in Italy.
The liturgy was animated by the young men of the St. Francis Postulancy House in Brescia. Music and song were provided by the friars of the Sant’Antonio Dottore Theological Seminary in Padua.
The church was packed with the faithful. They enjoyed the wealth of signs and sacraments that were offered, as well as the wise homily from the bishop. The bishop was pleased to take part in such a beautiful and meaningful moment, in the company of the confreres he knows so well
May the Lord guide His new ministers and heralds with care and affection.
Friar Andrea VAONA, Provincial Secretary
