Relic of Blessed Annibale Di Francia on Display in Desenzano
A relic of Blessed Annibale Maria Di Francia, the founder of the Congregation of the Rogationist Fathers, is currently on display – until Friday, March 16 – inside the religious institute on Viale Motta, in Desenzano. This relic is the heart of the priest, known for his holiness, marking the 150th anniversary of his birth this year, which took place in Messina in 1851. The Desenzano stage is one of the most significant stops on the pilgrimage taking place across various districts of the Rogationist Congregation around the world.
A noble figure from the Messina clergy and of the noble family of Marquises of Santa Caterina dello Ionio, Father Annibale was proclaimed Blessed by Pope John Paul II in 1990. A priest at 27, his life was already illuminated by an evangelical step that would become the guiding star of his existence. He spread charity among the poorest in Messina, earning recognition as apostle of modern vocacional pastoral care and as the father of orphans and the impoverished.
The message and work of the Blessed Annibale
The command of Jesus – discovered by Blessed Annibale as a pearl in the Gospel – “Pray to the master of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest,” transformed into a vital outreach among the marginalized, became a flame of Christian charity spreading across all continents, thanks to the work of his followers, the Rogationist Fathers and the Daughters of Divine Zeal.
In Desenzano, the charism of Blessed Annibale is embodied by an institute that, for over 50 years, has provided solutions to various forms of poverty. Yesterday, it was orphans, and today it is boys and young people in difficulty. The days spent with the precious relic on the lake are marked by numerous prayer meetings, held in the inner chapel of the Istituto dei Rogazionisti, where the heart is also displayed for all visitors wishing to venerate it.
Schedule of meetings and spiritual moments
Yesterday, after the reception, a vigil was scheduled. Today, the morning will be dedicated to meetings with students; at 7 p.m., there will be a community Eucharistic celebration presided over by Father Giovanni.
Tomorrow, prayer meetings will be reserved for specific groups: at 10 a.m., for the institute’s collaborators and teachers; at 4 p.m., an homily with the female religious community; and at 6 p.m., Eucharistic celebration with alumni, friends, and neighbors.
Thursday morning will be reserved for the religious community; at 10 a.m., a concelebrated Eucharist presided over by Father Francesco; at 5:30 p.m., adoration and vocacional Eucharistic worship at the Parish of San Zeno; and at 6 p.m., a concelebrated Eucharist led by the Provincial Father Gioacchino.
Friday will see the farewell to the sacred relic, which will leave Desenzano.