On August 14, 2026, the friars of the General Custody of the Sacred Convent of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy, joyfully and prayerfully celebrated the diaconal ordination of Friars Domenico TORRE and Francesco Maria (Xinyi) ZHAO.
The Mass of Ordination took place on the memorial of St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe and on the eve of the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Most Reverend Felice ACCROCCA, Bishop of Assisi-Nocera Umbra-Gualdo Tadino and Foligno, presided, joined by numerous concelebrants, deacons, and men and women religious. The parish community also participated with affection and enthusiasm.
The ordination was celebrated in the simple and austere setting of the Shrine of the Sacro Tugurio [Sacred Hut] in Rivotorto (Assisi).
Friar Domenico TORRE, 51, is originally from Sicily and has been a member of the Custody for several years. He completed his studies in Assisi and will continue his formation in Rome, where he will earn a licentiate in Canon Law. Friar Francesco Maria (Xinyi) ZHAO, 38, will continue his studies to earn a licentiate in Liturgical Theology. Both friars will attend the licentiate programs at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome.
In his homily, Bishop ACCROCCA warned the newly ordained against the temptation to reclaim those attributes of power that the Lord Jesus chose to lay aside. In light of the spirituality of St. Francis, ministry is first and foremost service, according to the Gospel’s understanding of the servus: one who serves.
The Bishop then called the deacons to embrace “mutual care.” Christian service is not a one-sided action, but a commitment to vigilance, attentiveness, and reciprocal care that supports and guides the entire community.
One particularly eloquent sign of communion came at the end of the ordination rite, when the newly ordained deacons, vested in dalmatics, received a hug from each of the other deacons present, thus symbolically becoming part of the diaconal college.
At the end of the celebration, the Custos, Friar Marco MORONI, addressed those present, giving thanks to the Lord for the gift of the vocations of Friars Domenico and Francesco and for the warm welcome provided by the religious and parish community of Rivotorto on this occasion of grace and celebration.
In the place that preserves the memory of the fraternity lived by St. Francis, this event offered a simple and concrete invitation: to make one’s life a life of service. This is the path that now lies before Friars Domenico and Francesco. They are called to live out their diaconal ministry in the spirit of the Gospel, following the example of Christ, who made himself a servant.
The grateful friars of the Custody and the community of Rivotorto shall continue to support the new deacons in prayer, so that their “yes” may always bear fruit in the Church and among all people.
Friar Silvano BIANCO
Custodial Secretary
