On April 11-14, 2018, the Postulator General, Friar Damian PĂTRAŞCU, went to Lucera (Puglia-Italy) where he took part in a study conference entitled: “The Saint and His City. The Franciscan Imprint upon the 18th Century Capitanata District” [Puglia, Italy].
The conference was held in honor of “Father Master” St. Francesco Antonio FASANI and Blessed Antonio LUCCI, Bishop of the ancient Diocese of Bovino. It was arranged by the Province of St. Nicholas and St. Angelo in Italy (Puglia) in collaboration with various regional institutions. During the first two days, there were several scholarly offerings. Friar Luciano BERTAZZO lectured on “Fasani and Lucci: Formational Years in Assisi—Religious and Cultural Context”. Friar Domenico PAOLETTI presented “Traces of the Theology and Spirituality of Blessed Antonio Lucci.” Prof. Saverio RUSSO spoke about “The Historical-Social Context of Capitanata at the time of Liguori, Fasani and Lucci.” Prof. Oreste BAZZICI lectured on “St. Francesco Antonio Fasani in the wake of Franciscan Economics—The Function and Differentiated Contributions of Two ‘Mounts of Piety’ founded in Lucera by Fasani.” Prof. Angelo Giuseppe DIBISCEGLIA spoke about “Alphonsus Liguori and Antonio Lucci: Two Bold pastors in a Difficult Area.” Friar Mario VILANI (OFM) made a presentation on “Episcopal Ministry and the Franciscan Imprint upon the Ancient Diocese of Bovino”. Friar Eugenio GALIGNANO with “The Works of Fasani: Excerpta ex Sacra Scriptura pro praedicatoribus verbi Dei utilia valde—Structure and Dominant Themes.” Friar Felice AUTIERI spoke on “The Title of ‘Father Master’ within the Organization of Academic Studies in the Franciscan Order—Historical Data on Fasani and His Personal Merits.” Prof. Rocco MARINO presented “Iconography featuring Blessed Antonio Lucci in the Ancient Diocese of Bovino and in His Hometown of Agnone—Classic and Modern Interpretations on the Intertwining of Corruption and Usury.” Dr. Giovanni AQUILINO spoke on “St. Francesco Antonio Fasani, Special Protector of the Confraternities of the Diocese of Lucera-Troia—Motives and Perspectives.” Prof. Mario TIBELLI lectured on the topic: “Why Fasani Was Promoted to Co-patron of the City of Lucera and Its Cultural Impact.”
At the conclusion of the conference, the Postulator General visited Bovino with Friar Eugenio GALIGNANO (the chief animator and organizer of the study conference). In Bovino, the Postulator listened to testimony from a number of people about some alleged miracles which they, or their families, had obtained through the intercession of Blessed Antonio LUCCI.
Finally, special thanks to Friar Eugenio, who, as the conference progressed, did an excellent job of getting the city of Lucera to focus attention on our two holy confreres.
Friar Damian PĂTRAŞCU, Postulator General
