Rome, Basilica of the Twelve Holy Apostles: Faith and Communion During the Triduum of Saints Philip and James
From April 30 to May 3, 2026, the Conventual Franciscan friars entrusted with the Basilica of the Twelve Holy Apostles in Rome, celebrated the triduum and feast day the Holy Apostles Philip and James the Lesser. The intensely prayerful liturgies were conducted in an atmosphere of deep devotion and joyful fraternity.
During the first two days of the triduum, Thursday, April 30, and Friday, May 1, The faithful recited the Rosary for Peace at 6:00 p.m., as the relics of the two apostles were being displayed in front of the main altar. The relics served as the visible heart of the faithful’s devotion. At the end of each Rosary, the faithful were able to approach the relics and pause before them in prayer.
At 6:30 p.m., Friar Javier A. RAMÍREZ RICO, OFM Conv., presided over Mass and gave the homily. His profound and incisive message helped the assembly contemplate the strength of apostolic witness.
On Saturday, May 2, the community gathered once again to pray the Rosary. This time it was led by the International President of the Militia of the Immaculata and the members of his Council. They proclaimed each mystery in a different language, highlighting the universal dimension of the Church. At 6:30 p.m., the Most Reverend Vittorio Francesco VIOLA, OFM, Secretary of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, presided over Mass. The assembly participated in an atmosphere of prayer and profound ecclesial communion.
The triduum culminated on Sunday, May 3, the feast day itself. At 5:30 p.m., Father Luigi EPICOCO, a theologian and philosopher, gave a presentation on the Apostles Philip and James the Lesser, with many lay faithful and friars in attendance. He offered a vivid and concrete interpretation of discipleship, focusing on the apostles’ witness to Christ, their humanity—so close to our own—the eminent role they occupy in the Church, and the close, family-like relationship that united them to the Lord Jesus. Thus, he presented holiness as a free and courageous response to Christ’s call.
At 6:30 p.m., the Most Reverend Flavio PACE, Secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, presided over Mass. Approximately sixty priests concelebrated, including friars of the Order, other religious, members of the diocesan clergy, and the Most Reverend César ESSAYAN, OFM Conv., Vicar Apostolic of Beirut, Lebanon. Together, their presence was an eloquent sign of the communion that unites the Church beyond all borders.
The Basilica’s Cappella Costantiniana Choir, directed by Friar Robert CALLEJA, animated all of the Masses. The choir’s singing supported the assembly’s prayer with sensitivity and solemnity. Student friars from the Order’s Seraphicum International College in Rome, provided liturgical service at each Mass, while Friar Francis MULENGA served as Master of Ceremonies.
Each Mass ended with a hymn dedicated to the Holy Apostles Philip and James. Afterwards, the faithful were able to approached the relics for a moment of personal prayer, extending their devotion beyond what they had celebrated during the Mass.
The Basilica’s Pastor, Friar Francesco CELESTINO, warmly welcomed those present each day. He introduced the Masses and celebrants, and fostered a fraternal, family-like atmosphere. At the end of the feast, he thanked all who participated and those whose generosity and dedication made the celebration possible.
During the triduum, the Basilica became a living place of encounter between faith and life: the liturgy, song, and prayerful participation of God’s people, made tangible a Church that prays, sings, and walks in the footsteps of the apostles —witnesses of the Gospel, even to the point of the total gift of self.
Friar Alejandro PALACIOS VÁZQUEZ,
General Delegate for Communications
