A whirlwind of emotions has shaken the heart of the Redemptorist community of Francavilla al Mare, Italy. On the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, the city of Francavilla saw one of its sons become a priest.
Gianluigi Colucci, a Redemptorist missionary and a true Francavilla native, was ordained a priest: a priest forever, in the manner of Melchizedek. The Holy Mass of Ordination took place on Saturday, December 7, during the first vespers of the Immaculate Conception, exactly one year after his ordination as a deacon.
The Parish of Sant’Alfonso Maria de Liguori hosted the solemn liturgy, and it could not be otherwise, since the Church, in addition to being the Parish where Gianluigi received a good part of the Sacraments of Christian Initiation and where his Redemptorist vocation matured, is and will be, for the next few years, the place where he will carry out his Presbyteral Ministry.
The Celebration was presided over by Monsignor Bruno Forte, Archbishop of Chieti – Vasto and was attended by numerous confreres from all over Italy and beyond. During his formation, Gianluigi had the great fortune of seeing deep bonds and friendships born even beyond the Alps and many responded with joy to his invitation to celebrate with him, in these days.
In addition to the entire Redemptorist community of Francavilla, there were Fr. Gennaro Sorrentino, Provincial of Southern Europe, confreres from our houses in Rome, Bussolengo, San Sperate, Pagani, Frosinone (where Gianluigi carried out a good part of his diaconal ministry), Materdomini, Czech Republic and Slovakia, Ukraine. Two permanent deacons from the parish also offered their service and a large group of young people from the Redemptorist mission in Albania, coordinated by Studente Massimo (San Gioacchino) and by Fr. Paolo (Materdomini).
From the very first moments one could perceive the great emotion of the parish community gathered there, accompanying Gianluigi in his definitive HERE I AM to the Lord.
The Archbishop also showed emotion several times. He often recalled, during the celebration, his deep bond with the Redemptorists and especially with our founder, Saint Alphonsus. In his homily, starting from the Readings of the Solemnity, he clearly highlighted the deep bond between Saint Alphonsus and the Redemptorists and the Immaculate Virgin Mary. He, the Bishop reminds us, trusts that any sinner, invoking the Heavenly Mother, will find her with hands full of mercy and grace.
The Celebration continued with the promises of the elect and the singing of the Litany of the Saints. At the imposition of hands, by the Bishop and all the priests present, in the general silence, the emotion of joy and grace became almost tangible on the faces of those present and especially of the parents. Emotion that resulted in a long applause when Gianluigi thanked all the priests exchanging with them the embrace of peace.
The following day, at 11:30 the Community gathered again in the same church for the First Holy Mass presided over by Fr. Gianluigi. The youth choir of the RYVM of Francavilla animated the Celebration masterfully.
Visibly moved, Fr. Gennaro Sorrentino gave the homily. Defining his vocation as a long story of love and research in discerning the truth, the fruit of a choice and trust in the Lord. Taking inspiration from the readings of the day, he wished the new priest that those words become a bright beacon for his ministry.
At the end of the Celebration, a warm greeting came from Fr. Massimiliano Guardini (Superior of the Community of Francavilla) which was followed by the final thanks of Fr. Gianluigi. Remembering the many people and brothers who have become collaborators of God in his vocational and consecrated journey, it was impossible for Gianluigi to hold back the tears of gratitude. Finally, his last words were spent for his parish community, where he will carry out his new priestly ministry.
We wish Fr. Gianluigi a fruitful ministry, rich in love for God and for the flock entrusted to him.
Fr. Fabrizio Podda, CSsR.
