On Sunday, June 27, 2021, many concelebrants and faithful took part in a solemn Mass at the Basilica of the Twelve Holy Apostles to welcome its new pastor, Friar Francesco CELESTINO. Friar Francesco is also the guardian of the basilica’s neighboring friary, which houses the General Curia.
The Mass was presided over by the Most Reverend Daniele LIBANORI, S.J., Auxiliary Bishop for the central sector of the Diocese of Rome. Several authoritative figures were present, namely, His Eminence, Friar Mauro Cardinal GAMBETTI, and three bishops—the Most Reverend Dominique MATHIEU, César ESSAYAN and Gianfranco GIROTTI. A number of other priests attended along with men and women religious from Rome and from Friar Francesco’s home region of Calabria, Italy.
At the beginning of the celebration, the Vicar General, Friar Jan MACIEJOWSKI, greeted everyone in the name of the Minister General and the whole fraternity.
In his homily, Bishop LIBANORI spoke about the ministry of a pastor, citing how, among other things, he “presents himself in a friendly manner so that everyone can sense the Lord is near.” A caring and welcoming pastor is someone who brings life to his parish, who communicates hope and communion and breaks down all barriers.
The liturgy included two special features. One was sprinkling the people with holy water and the other was the Rite of Installation at the presider’s chair. At the bishop’s invitation, Friar Francesco addressed the faithful from that chair for the first time as pastor, expressing his gratitude and joy. His words of thanksgiving were simple and direct, showing how deeply Friar Francesco cared about accepting his new office and performing it in a spirit of fraternity.
We offer our best wishes to Friar Francesco and hope that in carrying out his office he may keep the witness of Franciscan life alive and more deeply express the apostolic and missionary dimension toward all those who await the Word of salvation in the basilica that enshrines the memory of the Apostles Philip and James.
Friar Silvano BIANCO
