On Wednesday, April 8, at 7:00 PM, the Gerardian Jubilee was officially inaugurated in Naples. This is the second event in this tricentennial anniversary, which involves an entire community around Saint Gerard Majella, venerated by numerous devotees, including in Naples, where several places of worship are dedicated to him. The most important of these is the chapel of the birthplace of Saint Alphonsus, in Marianella, where a chapel in the church has been rededicated to the Redemptorist saint since 1893, and a beautiful and expressive statue is displayed for veneration.
The Redemptorists of the Marianella community have always spread devotion to the Saint, which has found a warm welcome among the locals, as evidenced by his feast day, celebrated annually with great solemnity. And as attested by the frequent pilgrimages to his tomb.
For this reason, before the beginning of the Jubilee Year, the Redemptorist community, through the Curia of Naples, submitted to the Sacred Apostolic Penitentiary a request for a one-year Plenary Indulgence, which could be earned, under the usual conditions, by visiting the rectory of St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori. The Penitentiary’s response was not long in coming. It was granted on March 2, 2026, and a few days later, brought to the attention of the Marianella faithful. It was welcomed by all with great enthusiasm.
The celebration that opened the special year of Grace took place with a solemn liturgy. The gathering for the priests and faithful was in the parish church of Marianella, a place of Alphonsian memories.
The celebration began at 7:00 PM, presided over by Monsignor Pasquale Cascio, Archbishop of Sant’Angelo dei Lombardi – Conza – Nusco– Bisaccia, and concelebrated by Father Pasquale Fioretti, parish priest of Marianella, who led the celebration as master of ceremonies; Father Ciro Avella, superior of the Marianella community; Father Lorenzo Fortugno, superior of the Pagani community, who participated together with Brother Matteo Ergoli; Father Vincenzo La Mendola, superior of the Monterone-Montespaccato community of Rome; Father Michele Marra, parish priest of Nostra Signora di Lourdes Parish in Calata Capodichino; Father Marcel Rajoavita, and a priest accompanying the Archbishop. The liturgical services were provided by the parish’s altar servers, along with the permanent deacons and members of the local Confraternity of Piety, who oversaw the service.
After the celebrant’s greeting and the introduction to the rite, the Decree of the Sacred Penitentiary, in its Italian translation, was read to the festive acclamation of the assembly, which was followed by the procession to the rectory, with the singing of the Litany of the Saints.
The rite of the opening of the Holy Door by the Prelate and the access of the clergy and faithful were emotional and full of pathos, amidst an ovation of evident emotion.
The celebration continued in a chapel, which was literally packed, reaching the forecourt. In his fervent and heartfelt homily, Monsignor Cascio, a regular visitor to Gerardine spirituality, broke down the Word, expertly harmonizing the passage about the disciples of Emmaus, the spiritual significance of the Holy Door, and key aspects of the message of Saint Gerard, extolling his compassion, generosity, and ability to bring hope.
A specially invited group of young people from Mercato San Severino enlivened the celebration with songs, joined by the faithful who regularly frequent the rectory.
After the communion rites, the letter from the Superior General, Fr. Rogerio Gomes, addressed to the Fathers and faithful of Marianella, was read, which received a thunderous applause as evidence of its high approval rating.
After the prayers for the indulgence, Father Ciro spoke to sincerely thank the Archbishop for his presence and his words. “Having you among us,” Father Avella began, “is a source of joy and gratitude for us, as you represent our connection to the sanctuary of Materdomini, where the venerated relics of Saint Gerard are kept.” The long series of thanks included everyone present, who were involved in various ways in the success of the event, especially the Pro Loco of Marianella, the civil authorities present, the brothers, the men, and women religious, and the numerous faithful.
A heartfelt thank you to the Pope for the gift of the Indulgence, granted through the Apostolic Penitentiary, was a must, followed by prolonged and thunderous applause. The celebrations concluded with a convivial gathering in the reception area, where sumptuous refreshments had been prepared, culminating in the cutting of the cake by Monsignor Cascio.
The Year of Grace has also begun for the community of Marianella—defined by the Bishop as “the people of Saint Alphonsus”—which will see the faithful gather for numerous spiritual, liturgical, and cultural events that will mark the unfolding of this jubilee.
Naples, the city of Saint Alphonsus, has its own Jubilee Church of St. Gerard, a place of faith that will help nourish and spread devotion to the Lucanian Saint, “the most illustrious son of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer”.
Fr. Vincenzo M. La Mendola C.Ss.R.
