The Church in Italy

Cardinal Domenico Battaglia asked San Gennaro for a year without war during the feast of the saint in Naples. While celebrating the solemnity, the Archbishop of Naples noted that the saint's blood had liquefied again.

Battaglia requested that the only blood discussed in the coming year be that of San Gennaro. He stated he no longer wants to speak of the blood of children or innocent victims in places such as Palestine and Ukraine. The cardinal expressed exhaustion with a humanity that creates victims and then builds monuments to mourn them, noting his desire to move past perfect commemorations and impossible peace.

The Diocese of Milano released a tribute to Sandro Mazzola following his death on Friday, September 18, at the age of 83. The former Inter Milan and Italian national team player was recognized for his significant career and his ability to succeed despite the pressure of his family legacy.

Mazzola followed the path of his father, Valentino, a captain of the Grande Torino team who died in the 1949 Superga air disaster. The tribute noted that Mazzola overcame comparisons and prejudices to establish his own identity on the field. While he initially sought to emulate the playing style of Alfredo Di Stefano, he eventually became a prolific goalscorer under coach Helenio Herrera, earning the title of Serie A top scorer during the 1960s.

The Associazione Famiglia Buona Novella hosted families and children at Cascina Moreni in Cremona on Saturday, September 19, 2026. The event, titled “Sostenibilmente noi – Cura, famiglia, creato,” used workshops, stands, and activities to help participants explore the meaning of care.

The afternoon program allowed participants to play, experiment, and reflect together. The activities were designed for both adults and children.

Mariachiara Giorda, a professor of the history of religions at Roma Tre University, addressed the Religions and Peace conference in Subiaco. The event was organized by the Tavolo Sublacense della Pace e della Nonviolenza in collaboration with Roma Tre University, the local municipality, and the international ShaRP network.

Giorda argued that every religious tradition in human history has produced both rhetoric and practices of war and peace within the same contexts. She stated that attempting to rank religions by how peaceful or violent they are is a mistake. Instead, she noted that no religion is exempt from a complex relationship with both conflict and peace.

Giorda suggested that it is more important to distinguish between wars actually motivated by religion and conflicts where religion is merely used as a justification. She explained that religions are deeply intertwined with politics, culture, society, and the economy, making it an error to view religion as separate from the real world.

Fondazione Redentore ETS inaugurated its new structure in Castelverde on Saturday, September 19, following more than two years of construction. The ceremony marked the completion of a project to improve the energy efficiency, seismic resistance, and overall structure of the entire complex.

The renovation required a total investment of approximately 30 million euros. The day of the inauguration began in the facility's new hall.

Patriarch Francesco Moraglia condemned recent acts of intimidation in Mestre, describing them as worrying episodes of intolerance and aversion.

The Patriarch of Venice issued the statement through the Diocese of Venice on September 19, 2026, following serious incidents at a local school and a public park. Moraglia stated that it is necessary to restore the reasons for living together through both words and actions.

Bishop Sabino Iannuzzi will preside over the profession of temporary vows for Sr. Maria Stella della Croce (Sheila M. Bashir) on Sunday, October 25, 2026.

The Clarisse Sisters of Castellaneta scheduled the solemn concelebrated Mass for 16:30.

Archbishop Delpini has called on the faithful to pray for and support the seminary during the Day for the Seminary on September 20. The Archbishop's message, titled "Ora i miei occhi ti vedono," encourages Christian communities to help young people recognize the presence of Jesus and understand themselves through his gaze.

Father Enrico Castagna, the rector of the seminary, noted that the theme will also serve as the motto for a vocational mission. Seminarists in the Quadriennio will participate in this mission from October 23 to 27 at the Melegnano pastoral community.

The seminary community in Venegono Inferiore currently includes 48 seminarists from the Archdiocese of Milan and 4 seminarists from other dioceses.

The Diocese of Belluno–Feltre has published an introduction by Father Severino Pagani to a text written by Father Luigi Serenthà.

Father Pagani describes the late priest as a man who taught others to walk with joy toward the Lord. The text honors Serenthà, an Ambrosian priest who died in 1986 at the age of 48. According to Pagani, living with this sense of joy was the secret to Serenthà's life from his childhood.

Bishop Mansi accepted the formal commitment of two seminarians to pursue the diaconate and priesthood during Solemn Vespers in the Diocese of Andria. Antonio Caterino and Francesco Suriano, from the San Nicola di Mira and Santa Maria Addolorata alle Croci parishes, pronounced their "eccomi" before the bishop and the local community.

During his homily, Bishop Mansi stated that every calling in the Church develops through listening and is a gift from the Lord rather than a personal ambition. He encouraged the candidates to build an intimate relationship with God in their daily lives and asked the community to pray for them to receive the grace of faithful and generous hearts.

Caritas di Lanciano-Ortona has welcomed four university students to begin their civil service. The volunteers, Anita, Matteo, Mattia, and Francesco, are all from Lanciano and will work at the diocesan Caritas office as part of a project shared with other locations in the Abruzzo dioceses.

The volunteers will assist with administrative tasks such as managing numbers, organizing products, and paying bills. Their roles also include listening to people, providing consolation, and offering psychological support.

The participants expressed different motivations for joining the program. Anita, a 26-year-old linguistic mediation student, stated her goal is to be useful to others and expects the experience to be enriching. Matteo, 22, a student of cardiocirculatory pathophysiology and cardiovascular perfusion, Mattia, 22, a business economics student, and Francesco, 20, a philosophy and psychological techniques student, noted that the service will also provide practical experience for their future careers.

Archbishop Claudio Maniago began a pastoral visit to the first synodal zone of the Gimigliano-Taverna Vicariate on Saturday, September 19. The visit includes the communities of Taverna, Albi, and San Giovanni d’Albi within the Archdiocese of Catanzaro-Squillace.

The Archbishop started the visit with an official welcome at 17:30 in Piazza Poerio in Taverna. This visit serves as a period of presence and listening between the Archbishop and the local communities. The schedule for the coming weeks includes various celebrations and meetings, such as meetings with the sick.

The Archbishop chose the phrase "do this in memory of me" as the theme for the visit to center the journey on the Eucharist. The visit aims to foster prayer and dialogue across the participating communities.

Don Francesco Vanotti shared reflections on transforming catechesis during the diocesan assembly of Catanzaro-Squillace. Vanotti, who serves as the director of the catechetical office for the Diocese of Como, provided the local Church with directions for discerning how to approach Christian initiation.

Vanotti suggested that changing catechisms, teaching materials, or meeting schedules is insufficient for true change. He argued that effective catechesis depends on how a Christian community accompanies people toward faith and its own ability to be transformed by the Gospel.

A central part of his presentation involved moving from a logic of projects to a logic of processes. Vanotti noted that while Italian pastoral work has long relied on ten year projects, modern life and the needs of new generations change too quickly for such long term plans to remain effective. He explained that a process accepts longer timelines, works with existing experiences, supports experimentation, and relies on continuous verification rather than attempting to apply a single definitive model everywhere.

The Archdiocese of Cagliari and the Direzione regionale Musei nazionali Sardegna signed an agreement on September 14 to enhance the Basilica di San Saturnino.

The agreement establishes a shared use of the basilica to balance its role as a place of worship with its historical and monumental importance to Cagliari.

The Diocese of Carpi has announced updates regarding the reconstruction of several buildings damaged in the 2012 earthquake. The diocese's real estate office, led by architect Sandra Losi, reported progress on the pieve of Quarantoli in Mirandola, the church of San Francesco d’Assisi in Carpi, and the San Possidonio parish church.

Construction is set to begin at the pieve of Quarantoli following the selection of a temporary association of companies consisting of Montanari Luigi srl and Marmiroli srl. The diocese expects to hand over the works to start the construction site by the end of September.

In Carpi, the diocese is currently conducting a bidding process to select a company for the San Francesco d’Assisi church. Most invited companies have expressed interest and will participate in upcoming site inspections. The deadline for submitting technical and economic offers is October 9, after which a commission will evaluate the bids to select a contractor. Meanwhile, technicians are completing the executive project documentation for the San Possidonio parish church to submit it to the commissioner's office.

Archbishop Maurizio Aloise inaugurated a new refreshment space for civilian staff and prison police at the Casa di Reclusione on September 18, 2026.

The Diocese of Rossano–Cariati stated the new area was created to offer a welcoming and informal space for staff to take breaks and relax. The facility is located inside the prison barracks.

Parishes in the Diocese of San Miniato are resuming catechesis programs for children and youth this autumn. Don Udoji Onyekweli, director of the diocesan service for catechesis, stated that the theme for the new year is pastoral flexibility.

The director noted that families approaching catechesis for the first time often show enthusiasm and curiosity. However, families already participating in the program frequently express concern regarding how to balance religious education with school, sports, and other extracurricular activities. While children generally approach the sessions with curiosity, catechists face the challenge of meeting family expectations regarding schedules and program proposals.

Don Udoji Onyekweli, who works alongside secretary Monica Martini and parish catechesis coordinators, explained that the service is working toward a more experiential approach to religious instruction. He noted that catechists often feel a mix of hope and worry as they prepare for the year, particularly when working with new groups and families.

The Diocese of Verona has launched Incoming Love, a program designed for young couples between the ages of 18 and 30. The project helps those in the early stages of a relationship discover the beauty and truth of their connection while learning to care for their bond.

The Diocese specified that this is not a pre-marriage course. Because of this distinction, the program cannot accept couples who have already scheduled a wedding date.

The Diocese of Nuoro has published the 32nd issue of its weekly publication, dated September 20, 2026. The issue covers the start of the new school year and the challenges facing students and educators.

The weekly includes commentary from staff and administrators at two comprehensive schools in Nuoro regarding recent school mergers. Bachisio Porru presents data from the latest Pisa report and new national guidelines. The publication also reports on a situation involving the San Pietro secondary school in Nuoro.

The Diocese of Rieti–San Salvatore Maggiore will hold its unitary diocesan assembly from September 22 to 24 at the Contigliano pastoral center. The event begins at 18.45.

The assembly features several guest speakers. Felice Accrocca, bishop of Assisi, will provide a perspective on contemporary reality. Mary Melone, a professor of dogmatic theology, will speak on the centrality of Christ and the primacy of his Word. Christian Carlassare, bishop of Bentiu, will discuss evangelization as the primary task of the Church.

The Diocese of Padova will host a conference for religion teachers of all levels on Sunday, September 27. The event, titled Rights at Heart, will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Opsa theater in Sarmeola di Rubano.

The conference aims to examine when the relationship between a teacher and students becomes truly educational.

Bishop Giuseppe Giuliano offered a meditation to the priests of the Diocese of Lucera-Troia on September 18, 2026. He spoke during the clergy's first retreat of the new pastoral year, which comes as the diocese awaits the arrival of a new bishop.

Giuliano encouraged the clergy to embrace new beginnings through the lens of Christian faith. He stated that starting anew does not mean rejecting the past, but rather accepting life as it continues in different ways. He described God as a source of renewal who works deeply within people to turn endings into new beginnings.

The bishop noted that while restarting is not always easy, faith serves as a guide during fragile transitions. He urged the priests to have trust and the courage to take the first step toward change.

The Diocese of Cremona will install Don Giuseppe Allevi as the new parish priest of San Michele Arcangelo in Antegnate on Sunday morning, September 20.

The installation ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. on the church steps. Before the mass, the community will gather in Piazza Cavour at 10:15 a.m., followed by a greeting to Don Giuseppe from Mayor Simone Nava. A welcome reception will take place after the celebration.

The Diocese of Milano has proposed six travel options for young people attending the 2027 World Youth Day in Seoul. The diocese redesigned the program after sudden increases in airline fares and date changes made two previous plans unfeasible. These changes also followed the cancellation of planned twinning trips to Abu Dhabi and Istanbul.

The six options vary in cost, duration, and itinerary. Three plans focus solely on the World Youth Day event. With the Raptim agency, travelers can choose between a trip from July 31 to August 10 for an indicative cost of 2,330 euro or from August 1 to 11 for 2,300 euro, with 70 spots available for each. Duomo Viaggi offers a trip from July 31 to August 10 for 2,200 euro with 40 spots.

A fourth proposal from Raptim combines the global gathering with a twinning in a Korean diocese, which is still to be defined, from July 26 to August 12 for 2,500 euro and 90 spots. Two remaining options, organized with the local Church and Vietnam Airlines, include an ecclesial twinning in Vietnam. One plan runs from July 30 to August 10 and includes a meeting with the bishop and the young people of the Hanoi diocese. Local deaneries are asked to verify participation and indicate preferred solutions in a short time.

The Diocese of Molfetta–Ruvo–Giovinazzo–Terlizzi will hold its 21st Diocesan Day of Creation on Saturday, September 19.

The diocesan community is invited to a prayer vigil and period of reflection at the Torre dei Guardiani. The event centers on caring for creation and taking responsibility for the local territory.

Don Luigi Scarlino, who leads youth ministry for the Discepoli di Emmaus pastoral community, criticized recent neighborhood patrols in Rozzano as vigilante rounds rather than efforts to uphold the law. He stated that these actions do not serve as outposts of legality but instead function as unofficial rounds.

The criticism follows several incidents of private justice in the Aler neighborhood. On September 16, a woman was attacked by a man of foreign origin and subsequently beaten by bystanders. On the evening of September 17, Carabinieri identified two brothers, aged 32 and 33, for assaulting an intoxicated man of foreign origin. These events prompted residents to patrol the streets to identify and report suspected drug dealers.

Scarlino suggested that instead of hunting foreigners or drug dealers, the community should work with authorities through organized tables to address these problems structurally. The Ministry of the Interior has classified Rozzano as a red zone since April, requiring increased police presence.

The Diocese of Verona has proposed two formative meetings for its clergy to be held at the San Fidenzio diocesan house of spirituality.

The Service for Formation and Ministry is organizing the sessions for all priests and deacons. Priests involved in the training of those in their first years of ministry, such as those at Giberti, are specifically invited to participate. The diocese stated that these meetings are part of a commitment to ongoing formation and a continuous path of conversion.

The Diocese of Napoli has launched a spiritual formation program called The Path of the Heart for the 2026-2027 year. The program seeks to integrate emotional life with spiritual life to prepare participants for a mission of compassion in the world.

The Centro di Spiritualità Diocesi di Napoli “Cor a(d) Cor” and Rete Mondiale di Preghiera del Papa are organizing the program. Meetings will take place at the Centro di Spiritualità della Diocesi. The course is open to people at least 18 years old.

Bishop Ciro Fanelli has invited priests, religious, deacons, laypeople, and pastoral council members to a diocesan assembly in Rionero. The meeting is scheduled for Friday, September 18, 2026, at 19:30 at the Church of San Gerardo.

The assembly serves as a step toward the first diocesan synod on October 11, 2026.

Eraldo Affinati has released an autobiographical novel titled Nella palude del padre, published by Feltrinelli on September 15. The book explores the life of his father, an unrecognized child who became an orphan after his mother, Elisa Affinati, died of an illness in 1930.

Affinati, a writer who co-founded the Penny school in 2008 to provide free Italian language instruction to immigrants, uses the story to examine themes such as human suffering, the meaning of parenthood, the importance of education, and overcoming loneliness. He notes that his father's lack of education and guidance influenced his own decision to become a teacher and writer, linking both roles to the responsibility of using words.

The Seraphic Institute of Assisi celebrated 155 years on September 17. Founded by San Ludovico da Casoria, the institute originally established itself to provide education to deaf and blind children who were excluded from standard schools due to their disabilities.

Francesca Di Maolo, president of the Seraphic Institute of Assisi, stated that the organization works to support families facing the isolation caused by a child's severe disability. She noted that the institute aims to bring children, teenagers, and young adults who risk social exclusion back to the center of community life.

While the institute began as an educational center, it evolved to meet the medical and sanitary needs of those with severe disabilities. The current staff includes doctors, nurses, social workers, rehabilitation therapists, and professional educators who work as a team to care for the people entrusted to them.

Cardinal Marcello Semeraro will preside over a solemn Mass on Sunday, September 20, to mark the arrival of the urn containing the remains of Saint Maria Goretti in Aprilia. The event begins at 17:30 with the arrival of the saint's body, followed by a procession to the parish of Saints Peter and Paul.

The pilgrimage will take place within the Aprilia territorial vicariate from September 20 to September 24. During the stay at the Saints Peter and Paul parish, daily Mass will be celebrated at 8:30, with confessions available from 8 to 12 and from 16 to 18:30.

The schedule includes a Mass on Monday, September 21, led by Father Maurizio Patriciello, the parish priest of Caivano, followed by a meeting titled "Saints by Vocation: Put a Face to Love with Your Life." Other activities include a penitential celebration on Tuesday, a meeting with the elderly and sick on Wednesday, and Eucharistic adoration. Bishop Vincenzo Viva of Albano will preside over the concluding Mass on Thursday, September 24.

Archbishop Michele Autuoro opened the XXXVI Diocesan Pastoral Conference at the Centro la Pace in Benevento. The conference covers topics ranging from Synod choices to community paths.

The event began following greetings from the director of the pastoral office, Monsignor Abramo Martignetti, and practical instructions from Father Salvatore Soreca, the director of the diocesan catechism office.

The ISSR Metropolitano San Giovanni Paolo II di Taranto has opened registrations for its 2026/2027 academic year religious sciences courses. Students can enroll in the Corso Triennale (Laurea Triennale/Baccalaureato) or the Corso Biennale (Laurea Magistrale/Licenza).

The master's degree offers specializations in either pedagogical-didactic or pastoral-catechetical-liturgical studies. The curriculum includes philosophy, theology, history, and psychology to prepare students for roles in schools, catechesis, and pastoral work.

Classes are scheduled to begin on October 5, 2026. Interested individuals can find information and register through the institution's website or at their office located at Via Duomo 107, Taranto.

The Arcidiocesi di Pesaro and Arcidiocesi di Urbino-Urbania-S. Angelo in Vado have started a joint program for the Assemblea degli Operatori Pastorali for the 2026-2027 period. The program focuses on the theme of the Church as a mosaic of communities, aiming to help parishes transition toward synodal and missionary pastoral work through local engagement.

The official opening is the interdiocesan plenary meeting scheduled for Friday, September 18, 2026, at 20.45 at the Chiesa parrocchiale di S. Maria Assunta in Montecchio di Vallefoglia. Don Alessandro Bonetti, the Vicario generale della Delegazione Pontificia di Loreto, will lead the session to guide reflections on pastoral conversion. The meeting will also include a testimony regarding evangelization through the Corso Alpha.

A second phase of the program will hold local meetings to encourage participation across the different regions. The Arcidiocesi di Pesaro will hold meetings in its pastoral communities on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 20.45. The Arcidiocesi di Urbino-Urbania-S. Angelo in Vado will meet on Monday, September 28, 2026, at 20.45 at the Santuario del Pelingo in Acqualagna.

The Diocese of Udine will host a biblical study day titled Giustizia di Dio e giustizia umana on Saturday, 26 September, at the Seminario di Castellerio. The event is organized by the Istituto Superiore di Scienze Religiose “Santi Ermagora e Fortunato” and the Scuola Cattolica di Cultura “Rinaldo Fabris”.

The morning session begins at 9.30 with two presentations. Ernesto Borghi will speak on Parola e giustizia di Dio, and Leopoldo Sandonà will present Il dialogo come via filosofica e teologica per semantizzare la giustizia.

After lunch, participants can choose from several thematic tables. These include sessions led by Alessio Persic on Regno di Dio e giustizia nei Padri della Chiesa, Luca De Clara on Il nostro senso di giustizia è datato?, Franco Gismano on Magistero sociale e giustizia, Antonella De Bortoli on Il Medioevo e il paradosso di una giustizia negata, and Elena Piccoli on La struttura emotiva nel senso psicologico di giustizia. The day is open to laici e laiche, religiosi e religiose, presbiteri e diaconi.

Associazione GIOIA and the Congregazione delle Figlie di Nostra Signora della Neve will host a concert titled Musical Bridges to support children in mission programs across Brazil, Peru, and Italy. The event takes place Saturday, September 19, at 21:00 at the Oratorio del Cristo Risorto in the historic center of Savona.

Riccardo Mitidieri will play the piano and Marco Pizzorno will play the guitar, with participation from Riccardo Isetta. The musicians will perform works by Vivaldi and Diabelli, along with Klezmer and Yiddish songs.

Admission to the concert is by free offering. Proceeds will benefit the mission children of the Congregazione delle Figlie di Nostra Signora della Neve and the after-school programs run by Associazione GIOIA.

Pope Leo XIV will visit Maison Bakhita, a center for the reception and integration of exiled people, on September 26.

The facility is located in the 18th district of Paris and serves migrants who have been forced to leave their homes.

Archbishop Alessandro sent a message to school leaders, teachers, staff, and students to mark the start of the 2026-27 school year. He addressed the challenges of a world described as being in a state of permanent warfare.

In his message, the Archbishop referenced Pope Leo XIV and the papal encyclical Magnifica humanitas, which discusses protecting human beings during the era of artificial intelligence. The Archbishop noted the Pope's teaching that people face a choice between building a world against God and others or building a city where humanity lives together in friendship.

The Archbishop encouraged the school community to help build a civilization of love by protecting the fragile and seeking reconciliation. He noted that while individuals have different levels of influence over reality, everyone holds a level of responsibility within their own sphere.

The Diocese of Imola will hold its annual three day gathering for priests, religious, and permanent deacons from Tuesday, September 15, to Thursday, September 17. The event serves as a period of formation and community for the clergy at the start of the pastoral year.

The first two days will take place at the diocesan seminary in Montericco. On Tuesday, participants will discuss a letter regarding a pastoral visit the bishop plans to undertake in the coming weeks, which is part of preparing for the diocese's new pastoral direction over the next two years. On Wednesday, the group will discuss the encyclical Magnifica Humanitas by Pope Leo XIV.

The final day on Thursday will be held at the Faenza seminary, where clergy from the dioceses of Faenza, Forlì-Bertinoro, Cesena, and Ravenna will join the Imola group. During this interdiocesan session, Bishop Andrea Migliavacca of Arezzo-Cortona-Sansepolcro will speak about the pastoral priorities of the Italian Church.

The Archbishop of Ancona–Osimo issued a message to students, teachers, school administrators, staff, and families to mark the start of the 2026–2027 school year.

In his message, the archbishop expressed closeness to the school community and encouraged students to view their studies and friendships as opportunities for personal growth. He noted that while youth can be a difficult season, it also offers the chance to shape the future despite global injustices.

The archbishop referenced Pope Leo to address the pressures facing young people. He cautioned against a distorted system that reduces individuals to numbers through excessive competition and performance pressure, which can lead to anxiety. He encouraged students to seek answers to the question of their own identity rather than being defined by algorithms or material possessions.

The La Casa group will hold shared prayer sessions across 13 different locations in the Diocese of Bergamo during October 2026.

The prayer meetings will take place at various centers, including the Comunità Missionaria del Paradiso in Bergamo, the Oratorio di Rovetta, and the Cappuccini di Albino. Other scheduled locations include the Oratorio di S. Pellegrino, Palazzo Passi in Villongo, the Chiesa di San Giuseppe in Berzo San Fermo, the Santuario del Lavello di Foppenico, and the Frati Minori in Baccanello di Calusco.

Additional prayer sites include the Chiesetta dell’Immacolata in Almè, the Francescane di Montello, the Convento Padri Passionisti in Basella di Urgnano, the Santuario B.V. Maria Addolorata in Mariano di Dalmine, and the Casa don Guanella in Verdello. Specific dates for each meeting are listed on a downloadable flyer provided by the diocese.

Bishop Felice Accrocca published the eleventh installment of his Franciscan series, titled FeliCitazioni francescane, on September 11. In the article, the bishop of Assisi, Nocera Umbra, Gualdo Tadino, and Foligno discusses how immigrants can serve as resources by reflecting on a story from the life of Saint Francis.

Accrocca uses a narrative from Thomas of Celano to illustrate his point. The story describes how Saint Francis attempted to travel to Syria but ended up in Dalmatia due to contrary winds. When sailors refused to let him board a ship bound for Ancona because of insufficient food, Francis and a companion boarded the vessel secretly.

The bishop notes that after the stowaways hid on board, a man provided food to the crew to be given to the hidden travelers whenever needed. Following a storm that delayed the voyage, the food belonging to Francis multiplied sufficiently to feed everyone on the ship until they reached port.

The Bishop of Treviso shared his reflections on the recent diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes organized by Unitalsi of Treviso. In his remarks following the trip, the bishop noted the various hardships participants face, including illness, disability, and loneliness.

He observed a sense of strength and hope among the pilgrims, noting how love was expressed through small gestures and mutual care. The bishop highlighted the dedication of many groups, including doctors, nurses, healthcare workers, sisters, stretcher bearers, and those managing travel logistics. He also recognized the service of young volunteers, liturgy organizers, and the priests accompanying the group.

The bishop stated that the community showed strength by traveling alongside the most fragile members. He noted that the bond between the sick and their families was particularly evident as they managed their shared challenges together.

The board of directors of the Exodus Foundation has appointed Franco Taverna as its new president. Taverna previously served as the longtime vice president and has been a central figure in the foundation since its beginning.

The foundation selected Taverna a few weeks after the death of its founder, Father Antonio Mazzi. The board stated that Taverna will lead the organization to ensure operational stability and maintain the values established by Father Mazzi while addressing future educational challenges.

Monsignor Gallese is stepping down from his leadership of the Diocese of Alessandria following the acceptance of his resignation by the Pope. The Diocese of Alessandria announced that Bishop Luigi Testore, the Bishop of Acqui, will serve as the new apostolic administrator.

Gallese has been appointed as the spiritual assistant of the Collegamento nazionale santuari. He stated that this new role was appointed by the Dicastery for New Evangelization and will be a missionary service.

The resignation from the governance of the diocese was presented to the Dicastery for Bishops. Gallese mentioned that the changes follow an apostolic visit in January that resulted from various tensions and difficulties within the diocese.

The Diocese of Savona–Noli will host the third meeting of its “Cercando la libertà” series on Wednesday, September 23, at 17:00 in the Sala Capitolare of the Cattedrale Nostra Signora Assunta. Sarah Pagano will lead the session, “Cercando la libertà… dalla schiavitù,” which focuses on the exhibition “Captivi: speranza di libertà” held at the diocesan historical archive.

The series is part of the “AB” project of the Conferenza Episcopale Italiana and explores the human need for freedom from physical constraints and the evolution of the concept from the body to the soul. Attendees will hear readings from documents from the Archivio Storico e Biblioteca diocesano.

The final meeting will take place on Wednesday, September 30, at 17:00 at the Oratorio Santi Giovanni Battista, Giovanni Evangelista e Petronilla. Ugo Folco will speak on “Cercando la libertà… dalla prigionia politica” regarding papa Pio VII, with organ music by Antonio Delfino. All meetings are free to enter.

The Diocese of Andria will present the bishop's pastoral letter during a gathering at the Cathedral on Tuesday, September 22, at 19.30. The event is open to all citizens.

The letter serves as a guide for the diocesan pastoral path this year, which centers on three themes: Accogliere, Annunciare, and Costruire. Theologian and writer Paolo Curtaz will assist with reflections.

The Archdiocese of Pesaro has opened the Al Pozzo di Sicar family counseling center to provide integrated support to the local community. Promoted by the Office for Family and Life Pastoral Ministry, the center offers services including psychological, social, pedagogical, medical, legal, and moral counseling.

A team of qualified professionals and volunteers, including psychologists, lawyers, doctors, pedagogists, social workers, and family counselors, manages the center. The staff works to maintain professional confidentiality while collaborating with public and private organizations in the region.

The center provides psychological support for individuals facing loneliness, fragility, or relationship difficulties. It also offers dedicated spaces for couples to discuss communication and conflict management, as well as guidance for parents navigating educational challenges, particularly during adolescence. Additionally, the center provides information regarding legal rights and available family subsidies.

The Diocese of Assisi–Nocera Umbra–Gualdo Tadino is marking the 155th anniversary of the Serafico Institute, a center specializing in complex disabilities. Founded on September 17, 1871, by San Ludovico da Casoria, the institute originally opened to three deaf boys and two blind boys.

The facility expanded to support children with multiple disabilities in 1926 and became Italy's first pilot center for multiple psychosensory impairments in 1975.

The institute currently serves 130 people daily, with students arriving from all over Italy. The center combines rehabilitation, education, and social support to address complex diagnostic needs and modern medical requirements.

Bishop Felice Accrocca wrote a letter to students in the dioceses of Assisi–Nocera Umbra–Gualdo Tadino and Foligno to encourage them as the new school year begins.

The bishop advised older students to commit to a life project with consistency and to pursue what they love so they are not forced to love whatever they find later in life. He noted that studying helps open hearts and provides a deeper understanding of one's time. Accrocca shared that his own academic experiences varied from being a bright student in elementary and middle school to facing challenges in high school before finding enthusiasm in university. He stated that valuing study helped him manage the tensions of his priestly and episcopal ministries.

For younger students, the bishop encouraged them to approach school with enthusiasm.

The Diocese of Andria is hosting a meeting on September 24 to discuss environmental protection. The event, organized by the diocesan social pastoral office and the Minervino pastoral zone, will take place at 19:30 in the chapter sacristy of the mother church in Minervino.

The meeting serves as a testimony to listen to efforts made in other areas to protect the environment, specifically regarding work done in the Terre dei Fuochi.

The diocesan Catholic Action will hold a three day spiritual retreat in Orzano from Friday, September 18 to Sunday, September 20. The retreat, titled “Amare: la sfida quotidiana,” is open to all laity seeking prayer and silence.

Father Daniele Morettin, director of the diocesan office for youth ministry, will lead the sessions. The program includes meditations, long periods of silence, and evening sessions for participants to share their experiences. The retreat aims to help attendees reflect on how to live the Gospel in daily life, including at work, with family, in volunteer roles, and within their communities.

The cost is 170 € for Catholic Action members and 190 € for non-members.

Don Denis Ekyoci M’Cinda will take over the leadership of the parishes in Campoformido and Bressa. The Diocese of Udine announced on September 15 that M’Cinda, who currently serves as the priest of Basaldella, will also lead these two communities.

Priest Stefano Romanello will assist M’Cinda. Romanello is a professor at the Studio Teologico Interdiocesano di Gorizia, Trieste, Udine and currently serves in the Collaborazione pastorale di Mortegliano.

M’Cinda succeeds Giuseppe Pellizzer, who is retiring to the Fraternità sacerdotale di Udine after leading the two parishes for 24 years. Pellizzer is 88 years old.

M’Cinda was born in 1965 in Kikonde, in the Repubblica Democratica del Congo, and was ordained a priest in 1992 for the Diocese of Uvira. He served as vicario parrocchiale in Latisana, Ronchis, and the communities of San Giorgio di Nogaro, Porto Nogaro, Villanova, and Zellina. He has been part of the clergy of the Arcidiocesi di Udine since 2017.

Don Ennio Gobbatto will serve as the rector of the Sanctuary of the Missionary Madonna in Tricesimo alongside his current role as rector of the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Lussari. The Diocese of Udine announced that Gobbatto will take over the position following the transfer of three monks to the pastoral collaboration of Pavia di Udine.

The three religious will depart the Tricesimo community during a Mass on Sunday, October 11, at 11 a.m., after which Gobbatto will begin his new assignment. The Sanctuary of the Missionary Madonna holds parish dignity and is currently administered by Bishop Nicola Degano.

Gobbatto, who was ordained a priest in 1994, previously served as a parochial vicar in Tricesimo from 1995 to 1997. Since 2022, he has worked within the pastoral collaboration of San Daniele del Friuli and, in 2026, served the communities of Canale di Gorto in Carnia.

The Diocese of Adria–Rovigo has reopened its diocesan school of theological formation.

Registration for the school is currently open for the upcoming term. Lessons are scheduled to begin on Friday, October 2, at the diocesan house located at via Pascoli 51 in Rovigo. The school offers students the opportunity to study theological disciplines in a communal environment.

Interested individuals can find more information or register through the school's website at www.teologiarovigo.it or by calling 3463395166.

The Diocese of Adria–Rovigo will host an interdiocesan Creation Day on Thursday, September 17, in the square in front of the church in Pontecchio Polesine. Titled “La terra brucia: ripartire da Francesco,” the event focuses on the care of creation.

The Diocese of Adria–Rovigo's social and labor pastoral commission and its Msac office organized the gathering alongside the dioceses of Chioggia and Ferrara-Comacchio. The Province of Rovigo and the Comune of Pontecchio are sponsoring the event.

Bishop Pierantonio Pavanello will open the program, followed by a reflection from fra Roberto Benvenuto. The event will conclude with a moment of prayer.

Bishop Michele Tomasi presided over the Eucharist in the crypt of the Treviso Cathedral to mark the seventh anniversary of his episcopal ordination. He celebrated the Mass alongside canons, vicars, curia directors, and employees, as well as staff from Vita del popolo, religious sisters, and the faithful.

During the celebration, Bishop Tomasi reflected on his ministry using the larch tree as a metaphor for pastoral work. He noted that just as a larch can grow in soil disturbed by landslides or floods, a bishop must serve within the existing history, beauty, and fragility of a community. He stated that ministers do not choose the ground where they are placed but must remain present in difficult circumstances to guide the Church with patience.

Bishop Vincenzo Viva of Albano announced 15 appointments and administrative changes for the diocese on September 15, 2026. These decisions, made throughout the month of September, affect parish priests, parish administrators, vicars, and parish collaborators, as well as various diocesan roles.

Monsignor Viva also appointed the organizing committee for the 2027 National Liturgical Week. The event is scheduled to take place in the Diocese of Albano from August 23 to August 26, 2027.

Archbishop Riccardo Lamba has released updated pastoral guidelines for the Diocese of Udine titled "May they be one so that the world may believe." The new document updates the pastoral collaboration project that began in 2018 and follows an eight year period of testing and review.

The updated guidelines include the statutes and regulations for participation bodies, which were previously published in a separate volume. The revision process involved two years of collecting feedback from pastoral workers in deaneries during the autumn of 2024 and providing reflection materials to the diocesan pastoral council, the presbyteral council, and the college of dean vicars.

The new version will soon be available to priests, deacons, religious men and women, and pastoral workers. The diocese plans to present the document in the deaneries during the autumn of 2026.

Cardinal Roberto Repole will preside over the monthly Mass at San Giovanni Battista Cathedral in Torino on Sunday, September 27, 2026. The service is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m.

Repole serves as the archbishop of Torino and the bishop of Susa. The Archdiocese of Torino began holding these monthly Masses on the last Sunday of each month on January 29, 2023.

The Diocese of Aversa held the XVI Festa dei Popoli in Villa Literno on Saturday, September 12, 2026. The event focused on the theme of magnificent humanity, drawing on the teachings of Pope Leo XIV regarding human dignity and the fight against inequality.

Organizers used symbolic passports to invite participants to experience the various cultures within the diocese. Local associations set up stands in Piazza Marconi featuring music, folklore, and traditions from Africa, Asia, and Europe. The event also included the awards ceremony for the III Torneo di Calcetto “Jerry Masslo – In Rete la Speranza,” which aimed to use sport to promote social rights and inclusion.

Don Matteo Antonelli, the diocesan administrator for the Diocese of Terni–Narni–Amelia, has called a meeting for September 15, 2026, to share an important communication regarding the local Church.

The meeting will take place at 11:45 a.m. at the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Terni. Antonelli has invited priests, deacons, religious brothers and sisters, and all the faithful to attend the gathering.

Casa Regina Pacis celebrated its 10th anniversary on September 13 in Falconara Marittima. The center provides housing and support for separated or divorced fathers, offering them personal rooms and shared spaces to help them maintain stable relationships with their children.

The event took place at the Beata Vergine Maria del Rosario parish and was organized by the Associazione Riconciliazione e Pace Ancona ODV-Ets in collaboration with the diocesan Caritas. Mons. Angelo Spina presided over the Holy Mass, while don Luigi Maria Epicoco led a catechesis on the theme of giving and receiving.

Alessia Galeazzi, president of the Associazione Riconciliazione e Pace Ancona ODV-Ets, said the house helps men regain their dignity and allows children to preserve or rebuild bonds with their fathers in a stable context. Deacon Giuseppe De Sisto, the founder of Casa Regina Pacis, noted that over the last 10 years, the center has served as a place where people feel welcomed, heard, and not judged.

Bishop Nicolò Anselmi sent greetings to students, families, and school staff in the Diocese of Rimini as the new school year begins. He expressed gratitude to teachers, administrators, and health service workers for their contributions to the educational community.

Anselmi noted that the start of the school year is a vital moment for both society and the Church because schools hold the present and future of the world. He specifically acknowledged the importance of families in fulfilling their educational mission.

The bishop also highlighted the Pope's recent visit to the diocese and referenced the papal encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, which describes education as an essential part of human life. Anselmi reminded listeners that education involves personal encounters rather than just the transmission of data, a point the Pope made regarding artificial intelligence. He concluded by offering thoughts for people in parts of the world where schooling is not a guaranteed right.

The Caritas Diocesana of Macerata is inviting new volunteers to support its services for the 2026/2027 period. The organization is seeking individuals to dedicate their time and skills to assist people and the community through various local activities.

Available volunteer roles include working at the solidarity clinic, the solidarity emporium, the listening center, and the soup kitchen. Volunteers can also assist with homework help, Italian language classes, workshops, and other proximity activities designed for people facing fragile situations.

The diocese describes these roles as opportunities for the community to build relationships and share responsibilities. Beyond providing concrete aid, the program encourages volunteers to engage in listening and meeting with others to support the mission of promoting charity and caring for vulnerable people.

A delegation from the Diocese of Rimini and San Marino will meet Pope Leo XIV for an audience on Wednesday, September 23. The visit serves as a diocesan pilgrimage of thanks to the Pope.

Participants can arrange their own transportation or use buses provided by the Ariminum Agency. Those using the agency buses will pay 70 euros per person, or 45 euros for children up to 12 years old, which includes a packed lunch. Travelers must inform the Ariminum Agency of the number of participants to collect the necessary passes for the audience.

Bishop Nicolò Anselmi is inviting the faithful of the Diocese of Rimini to reread the speeches delivered by Pope Leo XIV during his visit on Saturday, August 22. The bishop hopes the Pope's words will encourage concrete choices for community life rather than remaining only personal memories.

The available texts include the Pope's address to participants at the Meeting, his greeting at the Rimini Cathedral, and his homily during Mass at the port.

Bishop Michele issued a message to students, teachers, administrators, and school staff in the Diocese of Faenza–Modigliana to mark the start of the new school year. He expressed his joy at seeing communities come alive as people return to cities and towns for the educational term.

The bishop encouraged adults to show gratitude for schools and to work together as a team to support younger generations. He warned that a lack of mature and cordial dialogue among adults weakens the educational journey of students.

Bishop Michele highlighted two specific areas for cooperation. He called for the construction of peace by teaching students to welcome and respect others as brothers and sisters, even when they are different. He also noted the importance of helping students mature in their use of digital media.

The Diocese of Udine will conclude the summer season at the Monte Lussari Sanctuary with a solemn Mass on Sunday, September 27, at 11:00. Don Ennio Gobbatto will preside over the service.

The end of the summer season marks the final day of operation for the cable car from Camporosso to the mountain summit. While the sanctuary will remain open to pilgrims who arrive on foot during the autumn months, the Church will not celebrate Mass there until the cable car reopens for the ski season on a date yet to be determined.

Following the seasonal closure, the effigy of the Madonna del Lussari, known as the Queen of Europe, will move to Camporosso. On Saturday, October 3, at 18:00, a procession will carry the image from the church of Santa Dorotea to the Sant’Egidio parish church. The statue will be kept at the parish church for the coming months, and a Mass will follow the procession.

The San Matteo Apostolo ed Evangelista parish in Sambucetole will celebrate its patron saint, Saint Matthew, with religious events from September 18 to September 21, 2026.

The celebrations include a Triduo. On Friday, September 18, the parish will hold the Rosary at 17.30, followed by Mass and confessions at 18.00. On Saturday, September 19, the Rosary and Mass are scheduled for 17.30 and 18.00. On Sunday, September 20, Mass will take place at 10.00, followed by a catechesis session at 17.30 titled “Papa Leone XIV e la sfida antropologica posta dall’intelligenza artificiale” led by Father Riccardo Beltrami.

The festivities conclude on Monday, September 21, the liturgical feast of Saint Matthew, with a solemn Mass at 18.00. Father Mauro Russo, the parish priest of San Francesco in Amelia, will preside over the service.

Bishop Vincenzo Viva led two formation sessions for the priests of the Diocese of Albano at the Hotel Villa Lina in Fiuggi. The sessions took place in two shifts from August 24 to 27 and from August 31 to September 3.

The training focused on the theme of living the mystery with a pastoral heart through interiority, relationships, and discernment. Bishop Viva noted that the sessions were intense and showed a widespread need for fraternity and spiritual care among the clergy. He added that priests expressed a desire for deeper fraternal dialogue and a need to share their personal experiences.

The program addressed the challenge of balancing personal spiritual life with daily pastoral work and evangelization. Participants discussed the importance of maintaining careful relationships with God, fellow priests, and local communities.

Monsignor Carlo Roberto Maria Redaelli, secretary of the Dicastery for the Clergy, and Archbishop Erio Castellucci of Modena-Nonantola and Carpi accompanied the diocesan clergy during the sessions.

Bishop Emeritus Giuseppe Piemontese led a diocesan pilgrimage to the Madonna del Ponte sanctuary in Narni Scalo on Sunday, September 13. The event brought together priests and many faithful from the Diocese of Terni-Narni-Amelia to revive the devotional tradition of walking to holy sites.

During the solemn Mass, Piemontese stated that the primary purpose of the celebration was to ask Mary for the gift of peace. He noted that the community gathered to present the anxieties and sufferings of families, local communities, and the world to God through Mary to find strength and courage.

Diocesan administrator Matteo Antonelli concelebrated the Mass alongside other priests. The gathering included Narni Mayor Lorenzo Lucarelli, City Council President Mercuri, and various civil officials. The diocesan choir, directed by Sergio Rossini, provided music for the service, which was supported by the sanctuary's deacons and altar servers.

The Diocese of Latina–Terracina–Sezze–Priverno will host the national Pre-Festival of Civil Economy on September 15 at 17.30 at the Palazzo Comunale di Latina. The event focuses on the theme of housing and social inclusion.

The Diocese of Latina Caritas, the Province of Latina, and the Comune di Latina are organizing the gathering. Organizers stated that the discussion will address housing as a social and economic infrastructure that reveals national inequalities and the strength of the social contract. The event aims to examine how fiscal policy, cooperation between economic and social groups, and solidarity can address the housing crisis, urban loneliness, and rising costs.

Matilde Celentano, the mayor of Latina, Federico Carnevale, president of the Province of Latina, and Bishop Mariano Crociata will provide institutional greetings. Scheduled speakers include Leonardo Becchetti, director of the Festival and co-founder of NeXt Economia; Lorenzo Semplici, director of Centro Studi e valutazioni NeXt-Economia; Annalisa Muzio, assessore for Urbanistica Comune di Latina; Benedetto Delle Site, national president of Giovani Ucid; and Gianpiero Cioffredi, coordinator of Libera Lazio.

Piero della Francesca depicted Eraclio returning the True Cross to Gerusalemme in a fresco located in the Bacci Chapel of the Basilica of San Francesco in Arezzo. The artwork, which is now largely lost, serves as the final scene in a cycle dedicated to the Leggenda della Vera Croce.

The cycle was commissioned by the Bacci family and painted between 1452 and 1466. It illustrates the narrative found in the Legenda Aurea by Jacopo da Varazze. The series traces the history of the relic from the death of Adamo to the discovery of the cross by Elena and its theft by the Persian king Cosroe II.

The scene of Eraclio returning the relic to Gerusalemme directly references the event celebrated in the liturgy on 14 September. In the depiction, Eraclio is shown walking barefoot toward the gates of the Holy City while carrying the heavy wood of the cross on his shoulders.

The Diocese of Assisi–Nocera Umbra–Gualdo Tadino will hold a press conference in Rome on September 17 to present the upcoming celebrations for Saint Francis, the patron saint of Italy. The event is scheduled for 11 a.m. at the Sala Marconi in Palazzo Pio.

The festivities for Saint Francis will take place in Assisi on October 3 and 4, 2026. The press conference will feature Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, president of the Italian Episcopal Conference and archbishop of Bologna, and Bishop Felice Accrocca of Assisi–Nocera Umbra–Gualdo Tadino and Foligno.

Other participants include Assisi Mayor Valter Stoppini, Father Saul Tambini, custodian of the Porziuncola Convent in Santa Maria degli Angeli, and Father Marco Moroni, custodian of the Sacred Convent of Saint Francis in Assisi. Journalists must request accreditation through the Holy See Press Office online system at least 24 hours before the meeting.

The Diocese of Assisi–Nocera Umbra–Gualdo Tadino began the Cortile di Francesco 2026 on Friday, September 11. The event uses the legacy of Saint Francis to promote fraternity as a cultural value.

During a morning panel titled "Forgiveness and Restorative Justice," magistrates Paolo Micheli and Giovanni Rossi discussed the possibility of justice practices that aim to restore relationships and the social fabric rather than just punishing offenders or compensating victims. Bishop Felice Accrocca of Assisi, Nocera Umbra, Gualdo Tadino, and Foligno stated that forgiveness is a tool for societal growth and is not incompatible with justice. Massimiliano Marianelli, rector of the University of Perugia, suggested that mercy can be a legal category. The session also included a video message from Francesco Sisto and remarks from Carlo Orlando.

The Federazione italiana scuole materne (Fism) is looking for alternative locations to place children after a fire at the Sacro Cuore kindergarten and nursery in Ganaceto. The fire occurred on Saturday afternoon at the Viazza street facility managed by the Fism province of Modena.

No one was injured or poisoned because the building was empty at the time of the blaze. Firefighters and law enforcement responded to the scene, and authorities are investigating the cause of the fire. Don Alberto Zironi, the president of the Fism province, was present at the site along with local authorities and families.

The Fism province, the Comune di Modena, the Unione Terre d’Argine, and the parish of San Giorgio Martire are exploring solutions to place the children in other structures. The service has 49 children enrolled in the kindergarten and 35 in the nursery, along with 19 employees.

The Diocese of Treviso has announced new assignments for 3 priests, according to an official diocesan report.

Father Franco Zoggia will become the chaplain of the Castelfranco Veneto civil hospital, succeeding Father Manuel Simonaggio. Father Andrea Toso, previously a parochial vicar for the parishes of Tutti i Santi in Roncade, S. Giovanni Battista in Biancade, and S. Nicola vescovo in Vallio, will take over Father Zoggia's former role as parish priest for the parishes of S. Marco Evangelista in Fagarè della Battaglia, S. Andrea Apostolo in S. Andrea di Barbarana, and S. Benedetto Abate in Zenson di Piave.

Father Stefano Grespan will serve as chaplain of the S. Bertilla university chaplaincy in Treviso and assistant of the Federazione Universitaria Cattolica Italiana (FUCI), replacing Father Giancarlo Pivato. He continues his current roles as parochial vicar of the parish S. Martino vescovo in Paese, youth pastoral collaborator for the Collaborazione Pastorale di Paese, teacher at the Istituto Teologico Interdiocesano Giuseppe Toniolo di Belluno-Feltre, Treviso e Vittorio Veneto, and teacher at the Collegio vescovile Pio X.

The Diocese of Siracusa will hold a meeting for the diocesan catechist office on Saturday, September 19, to plan the upcoming year. The full day event will take place at the Villa del Seminario in Canicattini Bagni.

Bishop Maurizio Aliotta will deliver a report titled From the Synod to the CEI to catechesis: peace. During the session, Father Salvatore Nicosia will speak on the topic of building peace, while the director of the office, Bishop Salvatore Marino, will discuss building relationships. The program includes morning prayer and evening vespers.

Bishop Ciro Fanelli of Melfi–Rapolla–Venosa addressed students, teachers, and school staff to discuss the challenges of the new school year. In a message to the diocesan school community, Fanelli noted that the academic year begins during a difficult period marked by global wars, economic hardships for families, and rising intolerance.

The bishop expressed concern regarding how conflicts based on race, faith, or personal differences can lead to aggression among young people. He encouraged students to avoid cynicism and resignation by finding the strength to rebuild themselves during hard times. Fanelli cited writer Alessandro D’Avenia to illustrate the idea of resisting hardship to remain human, and he referenced the testimony of priest Lorenzo Milani to argue that schools should be more than just places for exams or preparation for the workforce.

The Archdiocese of Catanzaro-Squillace held a diocesan assembly at the Mirabeau Park Hotel in Gasperina to discuss renewing Christian initiation processes. Archbishop Claudio Maniago organized the meeting to move beyond simply updating catechetical programs, instead focusing on a pastoral style that listens to local realities and walks alongside people.

The assembly follows discussions held within local deaneries and aligns with the ongoing synodal path. During the event, Father Ivan Rauti spoke about the meaning of the synodal journey, while Father Ferdinando Fodaro described the Christian community as a place that generates faith.

Father Francesco Vanotti, a priest from the Diocese of Como and director of the Office for Catechesis, led the central session. The discussions aimed to shift the focus from merely preparing people for the sacraments toward preparing them for a full Christian life.

Bishop Santo Marcianò embraced Father Adelmo Scaccia during the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Olimpiade Victoria on September 5. The event, held in the Madonna della Neve neighborhood of Frosinone, marks five decades of the sports competition.

Father Scaccia founded the event in 1971. What began as small basketball and volleyball games on a dusty field has grown into a sports center featuring an athletics track, various courts, and a refreshment area. The 50th anniversary celebrations conclude on Sunday, September 13, following ten days of competitions and community gatherings.

The Diocese of Trento has launched Ri-Cibo Solidale, a new solidarity emporium in Rovereto designed to support fragile families and individuals. Managed by the Fondazione Caritas Diocesana and Trentino Solidale ODV, the project addresses poverty caused by the high cost of living, housing expenses, and job instability.

Located in a former electrical substation on via Udine, the center serves as a community hub. Dolomiti Energia provided the building for free, while the Comune di Rovereto handled the renovation, maintenance, and urban planning updates.

The emporium moves away from traditional food parcel distribution. Instead, people identified through social services can select fresh and dry foods along with essential goods directly from the shelves. This model intends to protect the dignity of those in need while promoting autonomy, responsibility, and inclusion.

Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical, Magnifica humanitas, serves as the inspiration for the 13th edition of the Scuola di Politica ed Etica Sociale (SPES) organized by the Archdiocese of Udine. The 2026-2027 program focuses on recognizing and protecting humanity during the era of artificial intelligence.

The school will begin with a public event on October 8, followed by regular sessions starting October 19. Participants can attend in person in Udine or join remotely from a classroom in Trieste. The curriculum includes technical discussions on artificial intelligence and a session on the logic of the two cities described in the encyclical. Subsequent modules will examine the political, healthcare, and environmental implications of AI.

The Archdiocese of Siena-Colle di Val d'Elsa-Montalcino and the Salesiani per il Sociale are launching a semi-residential community for minors called SEMI per il futuro in Colle di Val d'Elsa. The center, located at via dei Mille 80/a, is scheduled to open on September 18, 2026.

The project serves 10–12 ragazzi between the ages of 8 and 16 in situation of disagio sociale or familiare. The community will operate on weekdays from 13 to 19, providing a daytime space to support youth and prevent marginalization.

The Archdiocese is partnering with the Salesiani per il Sociale, the Associazione “L’Incontro” APS, the Fondazione Territori Sociali dell’Alta Valdelsa, and the Società della Salute della Toscana to run the center.

Bishop Nazzareno Marconi held a press conference to announce the reopening of the San Francesco church in Tolentino. The event at the Palazzo Comunale included Mayor Mauro Sclavi, Giacomo Alimenti, the director of the Diocese of Macerata earthquake coordination office, and priests Ariel Veloz and Gianni Compagnucci.

The church is scheduled to reopen for worship and parish activities on Thursday, September 17, at 17:00 with a Mass led by Bishop Marconi.

A presentation regarding the restoration work will take place on Sunday, September 20, at 17:00. During this meeting, professionals involved in the recovery will present reports on the project.

The Diocese of Mileto–Nicotera–Tropea has proposed a formation meeting for its priests titled "Witnesses of Life, for a Closer Church." The event will take place on September 21 and 22, 2026, and focuses on listening to testimonies from people who have experienced prison, grief, addiction, and disability.

The diocese stated the meeting aims to remind the Church to walk alongside those who suffer without distance or judgment. Priests will spend these two days with the bishop to experience fraternity, discussion, and communion so they can return to their pastoral communities enriched by the testimonies and the time spent together.

Bishop Erio Castellucci ordained Eros Benassi and Marco Andreotti as priests on Saturday, September 5, at the Modena Cathedral.

The two new priests will begin their pastoral service in the parish communities of Campogalliano and Formigine. During the ceremony, Bishop Castellucci spoke about the Gospel, advising priests and pastoral workers to prioritize the depth and quality of relationships over seeking large numbers or public consensus.

The parish of Santa Croce in the Diocese of Carpi recently concluded a special edition of the Sagra della Madonna dell’Aiuto to mark the 80th anniversary of the dedication of the altar and chapel dedicated to the Virgin.

The altar was built following a vow made by local women and mothers during the last war, promising to construct it if the men of Santa Croce returned from combat. The altar was dedicated by Bishop Vigilio Federico della Zuanna on September 9, 1946.

During a solemn Mass on September 6, parish priest Adam Nika encouraged the community to find courage in the presence of the Madonna, especially when facing hardship, difficulty, or illness. The celebration included an outdoor procession following the image of the Madonna.

The Diocese of Catanzaro–Squillace presented a new project titled "From Greek Tradition to Latin Rebirth: Documents and Territorial Controversies (XI-XIX sec.)" in Squillace. The project integrates the museum, archive, and library to create connections between research, the community, and the territory.

Father Maurizio Franconiere, director of the Museo Diocesano d’Arte Sacra (MU.D.A.S.) and head of the Ufficio Diocesano per i Beni Culturali Ecclesiastici, moderated the meeting. He stated the project uses documents, parchments, and ancient maps to restore information regarding boundaries and historical events.

Natascia Mellace, the assessor for culture for the Comune di Squillace, opened the meeting. She noted that documentary heritage allows a community to know its roots to better understand the present and the future.

Priests from the Diocese of Ventimiglia–San Remo celebrated Mass in Castelpetroso during a summer trip to the Molise region. According to a report from the diocese, the group visited the Santuario della Beata Vergine Maria Addolorata on the second day of a novena.

The trip included visits to the Santuario di S. Maria del Canneto and the cripta di S. Casto inside the Cattedrale di Trivento. The priests also traveled to Bagnoli to celebrate Mass with the Parrocchia di S. Maria Assunta during the feast for the Madonna di Vallebruna.

Bishop Michele Tomasi attended the first training meeting for Catholic religion teachers in the Diocese of Treviso on September 4. The meeting marked the start of the 2026-2027 school year and focused on themes of protecting human dignity in schools and refining the ability to listen.

The training sessions were developed in collaboration with the Treviso section of Uciim. The program includes specific courses for secondary school teachers and separate sessions for those teaching in primary and early childhood education.

During his address, Bishop Tomasi spoke about the encyclical Magnifica humanitas by Pope Leo XIV. He emphasized the need for shared responsibility to build a culture of encounter and the common good. The bishop noted that achieving peace requires prioritizing justice, disarming language, and adopting the perspective of victims to promote dialogue. Dr. Luca Drusian, an expert in listening and creator of school listening laboratories, also spoke at the event.