Pontifical Parish Basilica of the Twelve Holy Apostles in Rome 

“On this day, the Western Church celebrates together the memory of two radiant Apostles: Philip and James the Lesser. The courageous and devout lives of these two figures invite us to rediscover the beauty of the Gospel and to follow the Lord with confidence” (from the homily of His Eminence Cardinal Dominique Joseph MATHIEU, OFM Conv.).

On Saturday, May 3, 2025, a solemn Mass was celebrated in the magnificent Pontifical Minor Basilica of the Twelve Holy Apostles in Rome, which also serves as the shrine of the Apostles Philip and James the Lesser. The church was adorned with beautiful red roses, symbolizing passion, martyrdom, and love.
The solemnity was preceded by a triduum of spiritual preparation, with preaching by: Friar Francesco CELESTINO, OFM Conv. (Guardian and Pastor of the Basilica of the Twelve Apostles); Friar Agnello STOIA, OFM Conv. (Pastor of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican); and Father Cristian Abrahão DA SILVA (Rector of the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine alle Tre Cannelle in Rome). The Mass for the solemnity was presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Dominique Joseph MATHIEU, OFM Conv., Archbishop of Teheran-Isfahan of the Latins (Iran). Concelebrating with him were Cardinal François-Xavier BUSTILLO, OFM Conv., Bishop of Ajaccio (France), the Minister General, Friar Carlos TROVARELLI together with members of the General Curia at the Conventual Franciscan Friary of the Twelve Holy Apostles in Rome, members of the General Houses in Rome, several priests from local rectories, and religious priests from communities in the area.
In his homily, Cardinal MATHIEU explained further: “Philip and James embody the Gospel in their lives in their own way. Philip, who brought Nathanael to Jesus, shows us the simplicity of concrete evangelization. James, a pillar of the Church in Jerusalem, teaches us the wisdom and strength of communal faith. Together, they remind us that faith is not an abstract idea, but a personal and transformative encounter with Christ, which moves us to give our lives for others.”
At the end of the Mass, the Pastor thanked all those who worked so hard to make the solemn celebration possible, especially the clerical students from the Seraphicum who provided liturgical service and the “Cappella musicale Costantiniana Ss. Apostoli” choir directed by Friar Robert CALLEJA, OFM Conv.

The Mass was immediately followed by a fraternal meal in the Immaculata Hall.

Friar Mimmo CASTIGLIONE