Just days before the opening of the Jubilee Year for the Tercentenary of the birth of Saint Gerard Majella, celebrated at the Shrine of Materdomini and in the rectory of Sant’Alfonso in Marianella-Naples, as well as in other communities, the city of Frosinone also inaugurated the year of grace, dedicated to the life and message of the Redemptorist saint. The event, which involved the entire city and diocesan community, took place on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at 6:00 PM, in the Church-Sanctuary of Our Lady of Grace.
Presiding over the liturgy was Archbishop Santo Marcianò, bishop of the dioceses of Frosinone-Veroli-Ferentino and Anagni-Alatri, who was welcomed by a large congregation, the band, and civil and military authorities, as well as Redemptorist missionaries.
In his familiar and direct style, Monsignor Marcianò celebrated the Eucharist on the Third Sunday of Easter. The concelebration was attended by the priests of the Frosinone community: the parish priest, Fr. Luciano Maloszek; Fr. Salam Salim; Fr. Alfiere Ubaldi; and Fr. Habib Badran, parish priest of the BVM del Buon Consiglio parish in Scifelli; the provincial councilor for the Italian area, Fr. Massimiliano Guardini; Fr. Luis Perez of the Francavilla al Mare community; Fr. Vincenzo La Mendola and Fr. Fernando Centurion of the Monterone-Montespaccato community in Rome; Fr. Sergio Santi, superior of the Bussolengo community; Fr. Mauro Colasanti, vicar forane of Frosinone; Canon Fr. Giuseppe Sperduti, parish priest emeritus of the cathedral; Fr. Santino Battaglia, secretary to the bishop; Fr. Riccardo Mabilia, parish priest of the historic center pastoral unit; Fr. Rechie Porras, a Discalced Augustinian and parish priest of the Madonna della Neve (the lady of snow); and Deacon Luigi Manfuso.
The celebration was led by the “Antonio Reali” choir, directed by Maestro Fabio Bracaglia, who performed with renowned mastery local Gerardi songs and hymns. Among those in attendance were Mayor Aldo Mattia and Councilor Rossella Testa. Representatives from the Guardia di Finanza, the Police Headquarters, the Carabinieri, and the Association of Retired Carabinieri were also present, along with the Municipal Police, the Proloco (Local Tourist Board), the city’s confraternities and associations, and the Scifelli Confraternity, who presented their banners and traditional uniforms. Numerous faithful also came from neighboring towns. The guest of honor was the Deputy Mayor of Muro Lucano, Frosinone’s sister city, who led a delegation from the town where the Saint was born.
During his homily, Archbishop Marcianò emphasized the value of popular piety and devotion to the saints as a true treasure for the Church and a privileged channel for the new evangelization. Focusing on the figure of Saint Gerard, he recalled his humility, spirit of prayer, love for the poor, and profound spirituality, highlighting his relevance even as a young saint, trained in the school of Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori. The prelate described the Redemptorist religious as one of the greatest mystics of the Eucharist and the Cross, a theme that deserves further exploration and a contemporary reinterpretation.
References were made to the strong devotion of the people of Frosinone to the miracle-working saint, so much so that Frosinone, in the geography of devotion to St Gerarde, is referred to as the “most like St Gerard” city in Italy. This deep-rooted devotion has fostered a pastoral decision, still in the process of canonical definition: the erection of the Redemptorist Church of Our Lady of Grace as a diocesan shrine dedicated to Saint Gerard Majella, in response to the request made by Provincial Superior Fr. Gennaro Sorrentino, already at the beginning of his mandate and eagerly awaited as a sign of this tercentenary year. The Archbishop also recalled his personal connection with the Redemptorist missionaries, which developed during several popular missions in his hometown. The detailed reflections, developed in the light of the Word of God, were attentively followed by a large assembly, with many faithful even remaining in the churchyard.
Before the final blessing, Father Guardini spoke, conveying greetings from the provincial superior, thanking the bishop for his paternal closeness to the community and for his esteem and interest in the Saint. He then expressed gratitude to the parish for its dedication, expressing his hope that the centenary year will be an opportunity for spiritual renewal and renewed missionary momentum. In his esteemed address, he also recalled the role of the Redemptorist house in Frosinone in the history of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, now approaching its 250th anniversary.
At the end of the celebration, the congregation, singing the local hymn to Saint Gerard, gathered in the churchyard around the still-covered statue for the inauguration. A particularly poignant moment was the unveiling of the bronze statue, created by the Italian Society of Sacred Art, thanks to the donations of parishioners and devotees. After the blessing and the first act of veneration by the archbishop, the crowd repeatedly cheered “Long live Saint Gerard!”
Frosinone’s mayor, Dr. Riccardo Mastrangeli, then spoke, reaffirming the city’s deep connection with the saint, now a central figure in its identity. Words of gratitude were also expressed by Rosalba Zaccardo, deputy mayor of Muro Lucano, who emphasized the ties between the two communities, united in the name of Saint Gerard and committed to promoting his cult and memory among the younger generations. The superior of the local Redemptorist community, Fr. Luciano Maloszek, finally thanked those in attendance and the organizing committee, led by Fabio Bracaglia, a tireless promoter of the initiative, along with a small but efficient committee consisting of Francesca Maramao, Gianluca Grande, Simone Vinci, Valerio Ceci, Gianluca Ludivici, and Giovanni Vinci. The project also received support from local sponsors (Cameracanna Funeral Company, Oleodinamica Grande Srl, Promocarte Srl, and Vescom Srl) and is part of a broader redevelopment program for the area surrounding the church, designed by architect Otello Rosi, who was present at the event.
Archbishop Marcianò concluded the meeting with a warm and engaging address, enthusiastically reiterating his intention to further promote the cult of Saint Gerard with the upcoming canonical erection of a diocesan sanctuary. This announcement was greeted with thunderous and repeated applause.
The evening concluded with the veneration of the image by the faithful, praised for its expressive power: the work, inspired by the statue already venerated in Frosinone and the monument in the cathedral square of Muro Lucano, depicts the Saint in the act of displaying the Crucifix, his gaze turned toward the faithful, as if welcoming them. His face clearly conveys the intensity of his interiority and the missionary zeal that characterized his brief religious life. This is not merely an urban development, but a visible sign of the faith of a people who recognize their Saint as a daily reference, bringing his presence into public spaces as well. The area, still under construction, will soon be enhanced with lighting and floral decorations, and equipped with special seating to encourage the faithful to pause and pray.
The day concluded with a buffet and a final toast, in an atmosphere of participation and fellowship. Once again, Frosinone reaffirmed its deep connection with Saint Gerard and the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, whose history is closely linked to the city and the evangelizing mission begun by Saint Alphonsus and spread throughout Europe by Saint Clement Maria Hofbauer.
Fr. Vincenzo La Mendola, C.Ss.R.
