The diocesan process for the canonization of Friar Gregorio (Matteo) LA GRUA, a professed priest of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, is set to begin in Palermo (Sicily), Italy. A special diocesan tribunal will examine our confrere’s life, heroic virtues, fame of sanctity and signs of holiness, according to Canon Law and precise ecclesiastical procedures.

The opening session of the diocesan process will begin at noon on Monday, March 3, 2025, with the Most Reverend Corrado LOREFICE, Archbishop of Palermo, presiding. The event will take place in the Lavitrano Hall in the Archbishop’s Palace in Palermo. At that time, the members of the diocesan ecclesiastical tribunal, appointed by the archbishop and the Vice-Postulator Professor Maria LO PRESTI, will take the oath. The members of the historical commission, which Archbishop LOREFICE appointed, will also be there. They are: Friar Domenico CASTIGLIONE, OFM Conv., Professor Margherita GIUFFRIDA and Mr. Marcello MESSINA.

Friar Gregorio (Matteo) LA GRUA was born in Castelbuono, in the Italian Province of Palermo (Diocese of Cefalù), on February 15, 1914. He entered the Conventual Franciscan Seminary in Montevago in the Italian Province of Agrigento (Sicily). He made his temporary profession on October 4, 1930. He made his solemn profession at the International Seraphicum College in Rome, on March 19, 1935. On July 25, 1937, he was ordained to the priesthood at the Basilica of the Twelve Holy Apostles in Rome.
After completing his high school and philosophy studies in Palermo, and his theology studies at the Pontifical Theological Faculty of St. Bonaventure, he graduated with a degree in Sacred Theology on October 31, 1941.
A man of great culture, he taught theology at the Conventual Franciscan Seminaries in Palermo from 1939 to 1952, then, in the archdiocesan seminary and ecclesiastical boarding school from 1952 to 1958, during which time he also served as Minister Provincial.
He held important positions within the Order: General Visitator, a collaborator in drafting the new Constitutions, and Delegate of the General Minister to preside over some Provincial and Custodial Chapters. He also held important positions within the Church in Palermo: a professor in the archdiocesan seminaries, Prosynodal And Synodal Examiner, Archdiocesan Delegate for Religious, Episcopal Vicar for Consecrated Life, a judge at the Regional Tribunal of Sicily, and a member of the Archdiocesan Episcopal Council.
In 1975, His Eminence Cardinal Salvatore PAPPALARDO entrusted him with leading the charismatics of Palermo. From that year forward, he served the Maria del Rinnovamento nello Spirito Group at the Sacro Cuore di Gesù Church in Palermo.
Friar Gregorio founded the Gesù Liberatore Center and the Foundation of the same name located in the Fondo Margifaraci area of Palermo.
From 1975, until his death on January 15, 2012, at the venerable age of almost ninety-eight, Friar Gregorio was completely dedicated to serving God’s people, welcoming all those who were physically or spiritually ill who knocked on the friary’s courtyard door on Via Ruggerone, right behind the Sacro Cuore di Gesù Church in Palermo’s Noce neighborhood, where he lived. He became a point of reference and a figure of hope for many from across the city, Sicily, Italy, and abroad.
Friar Gregorio was recognized as one of the most important exorcists in Italy during the 20th century. In his beloved Palermo, many remember him as a simple, kind and humble friar. His memory remains vivid, and his grave continues to be a pilgrimage site for many who seek his intercession in obtaining graces from the Lord.

Friar Rosario TERRANOVA, Provincial Secretary