Presentation by Antonio Bini of His Book on Fra Vincenzo D’Elpidio

This coming Saturday November 7 Antonio Bini will be presenting his book on the life of the Capuchin friar, Fra Vincenzo D'Elpidio. His presentation, sponsored by the UNESCO Club of Pescara, will take place in the meeting room "Sala Damiano" at the Shrine of the Holy Face of Manoppello. Fra Vincenzo was very much tied to the Shrine, and often visited there, especially when Padre Domenico da Cese was part of the community of the shrine. After the death of Padre Domenico Fra Vincenzo worked tirelessly to keep Padre Domenico's legacy alive and was always present at the annual commemorations held at the shrine to remember Padre Domenico. The late Paul Badde, whose first-year death anniversary takes place in the coming days. was very close to Fra Vincenzo and relied very much on his help to produce his documentary for EWTN on the life of Padre Domenico.


Antonio Bini also had a close relationship with Fra Vincenzo over a period of several decades leading Bini to describe Fra Vincenzo as "a humble, kind religious man—someone extraordinary in his capacity to listen to the sufferings of so many people—who also encouraged them to rediscover their faith". Fra Vincenzo also entrusted to Bini a vast amount of knowledge about the life and mission of Padre Domenico. 

One of the most unique instances in the life of Padre Domenico, which Fra Vincenzo confirmed for Bini, was the bilocation by Padre Pio, Padre Domenico's friend and fellow friar, in front of the Holy Face of Manoppello which Padre Domenico witnessed just hours before the saint passed away. Holy Face of Manoppello: Padre Pio, Padre Domenico da Cese and the Holy Face of Manoppello

 Padre Domenico a few days later would have his own bilocation at the funeral procession for Padre Pio, mysteriously captured by television cameras recording the religious event.  Holy Face of Manoppello: Padre Pio of Pietrelcina and Padre Domenico of the Holy Face

Exhibition Held in Pescara Entitled "The Face of the Invisible - Manoppello and the Mystery of the True Icon"

Pescara hosted a conference for the presentation of the catalog for the exhibition "The Face of the Invisible: Manoppello and the Mystery of the True Icon," curated by Marco Bussagli, a professor at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome, an authoritative scholar specializing in artistic anatomy. The catalog for the exhibition, published in Italian and English, includes significant articles by Bussagli and also by Veronika Seifert, a theologian and church historian who currently works at the Vatican.


In his lengthy text Bussagli's argument is fundamentally linked to the presumed presence in the Holy Face of the so-called "fifth incisor," a dental anomaly, which he develops with extensive research and comparison with artworks prior to the Sack of Rome (with over 100 notes). Bussagli is completely convinced that the Holy Face is to be identified with the Veronica,

Seifert in her presentation emphasizes the exceptional significance of the Face of Manoppello— describing it as the face of the Resurrection. Both her presentation and that of Professor Bussagli draw upon the research conducted by Fr. Pfeiffer.


Also in attendance at the conference was the physicist Paolo Di Lazzaro, who coordinated the work of the International Workshop on the Scientific Approach to the Acheiropoietos Images (IWSAI).


The exhibition, held from June 19 to September 27 at the Imago Museum in Pescara, was promoted and produced by the Fondazione Pescarabruzzo in collaboration with the Shrine of the Holy Face of Manoppello, the Seraphic Province of the Immaculate Conception of the Capuchin Friars Minor of Central Italy, the Archdiocese of Chieti-Vasto, the Fondazione Academia Carrara di Bergamo, with works of art lent for display by public and private institutions.



The exhibition explored one of the most compelling themes in the history of Christianity: the quest for the face of Christ and the mystery of the Holy Face of Manoppello.


The website of the museum IL VOLTO DELL'INVISIBILE | Imago Museum describes the purpose of exhibition


"Through artworks, manuscripts, historical documents, and scientific contributions, the exhibition offers a multidisciplinary perspective on the so-called "True Icon" and its role in European culture between the Middle Ages and the modern era."

Holy Mass on September 20 at the Shrine of the Holy Face to Commemorate the 48th Anniversary of the Death of Padre Domenico da Cese

 

Every year at the Shrine of the Holy Face of Manoppello a Holy Mass is held to commemorate the death of the Servant of God Padre Domenico da Cese and honor his memory.  This year marks the 48th Anniversary of his death.  A pilgrimage by the Volto Santo Association of Ruvo di Puglia and Andria is scheduled. At dawn, they will reach the cemetery in Cese the hometown of Padre Domenico to pray at the friar's tomb and then proceed to Manoppello.

Father Paolo Adorante: New Rector of the Shrine of the Holy Face of Manoppello

 

by Antonio Bini

On August 30, Father Paolo Adorante assumed the role of Rector of the Shrine of the Holy Face in Manoppello, welcomed by the outgoing rector Father Antonio Gentili during the 11:00 AM Sunday Mass. Father Paolo was ordained a priest on June 13, 2026, right here in the Basilica of the Holy Face, where he had previously made his perpetual vows in 2021. The new rector was born 43 years ago in Guardiagrele (Abruzzo). His is reportedly a "late vocation," sparked around the age of 30 when a chance encounter with a baby girl suffering from cancer led him to reflect on the meaning of his life. At the time, he was working in Padua in the management of a large telecommunications company and was seemingly content. Yet—as he puts it—"I was missing the fundamental thing inside: God." During his long formation journey, he lived in Assisi and Corsica before beginning his novitiate in Calabria and later in Viterbo. During a brief, positive meeting with Father Paolo, I wished him well in his challenging new mission and pledged my full cooperation in continuing the partnership with the Capuchins that has existed since 1998. It was a cordial and constructive meeting. The new rector will also assume the role of Father Guardian, a position previously held by Father Marian Michniack, who has been transferred to the Marian Shrine of Canoscio near Città di Castello in Umbria. Father Marian, who is of Polish origin, provided invaluable support to the many Polish pilgrims who arrive in Manoppello every day. Father Lavet Fernandes is also arriving in Manoppello alongside Father Paolo Adorante; he will serve as the friary’s bursar.

The Holy Face Shines in Manoppello on the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

 

All photos by Alexandra Prandell

Every August 6, feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, in Manoppello there is a procession with the Holy Face. I am very grateful to Alexandra Prandell for sharing these photos which she took several weeks ago during the feast.  

It seems that the Holy Face of Manoppello and even the photos taken of the Holy Face are both an answer to the ancient cry of the psalmist, "Let your face shine on your servant; save me  in your merciful love" Psalm 31:16, 

and also a prophecy of present and future salvation for all who trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.  

"And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light."  Matthew 17:2

"And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!"       Luke 9:35

"For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. " 2 Peter 1:16

"Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their minds; but when a man turns to the Lord the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another, for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." 2 Corinthians 3:15-18

Fr. Antonio Gentili, OFM, Cap. gazing upon the Holy Face

Fr. Antonio incensing the Holy Face

Assisi is the New Assignment for Fr. Antonio Gentili, Rector of the Shrine of the Holy Face

Photo by Alexandra Prandell

Father Antonio Gentili, Rector of the Shrine of the Holy Face, chose the Feast of the Transfiguration as an opportunity to announce his upcoming transfer to Assisi. At the start of the 11:00 a.m. service, while introducing Archbishop Fabio Fabene—Secretary of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints—he took a moment to greet the large congregation gathered in the Basilica. This message was repeated during the 7:00 p.m. Mass, presided over by Father Paolo M. Braghin, Vicar of the Central Italy Province of the Capuchin Friars Minor. The Mass was followed by a procession to the foot of the hill, attended by thousands of devotees and pilgrims. The text of his message follows below.  



Farewell message of Father Antonio Gentili OFM, Cap. Rector of the Shrine of the Holy Face for the years 2020-2026

The anniversary of the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, the first and oldest celebration concerning the Holy Face in Manoppello, seemed to me a significant occasion to share with you - not without emotion - that obedience has called me elsewhere, since my transfer to Assisi, recently ordered by the Minister Provincial, is imminent. As you know, it is a tradition proper to the Capuchins to rotate the friars.

I arrived in Manoppello six years ago, in September 2020.

I cannot help but recall the difficulties of that period, marked by the most acute phase of the Covid pandemic, conditioned by social distancing that caused the collapse of pilgrimages and the very attendance of Sunday Mass by the local population.

Then in the following months a light was glimpsed, sometimes in alternating phases, in the health emergency (which did not fail to affect the Convent as well), with the gradual resumption of social relations and religious life itself.

I thank the local community, the mayor and the municipal administrators, the volunteers and bearers of the Holy Face, whose number has increased over the years, the choir and the many collaborators who have put their time and energy at the disposal of the Shrine. I thank the scholars and journalists in Italy and abroad who have contributed with their activities to spreading knowledge of the Holy Face. Among them it is only right to remember Paul Badde, who passed away on November 10 last year and remains forever here, in his beloved Manoppello, buried a few meters from the Basilica. Devoted and passionate about the Holy Face, he was a great popularizer of the Holy Face in the world, through books published in a number of countries, and through articles and television reporting. I thank His Excellency Monsignor Bruno Forte, Archbishop of the Diocese of Chieti-Vasto, for his constant closeness to the Shrine, and the men and women religious who collaborate in the activities of the Shrine.

Of course, I cannot forget the religious fraternity with whom I shared the leadership of the Shrine.

There were many moments and events worthy of note. Among these, I would like to emphasize the constant effort made - despite the moments of discouragement - to unblock the work of securing the façade of our Basilica. Finally concluded on July 25 last year, this effort has brought to a close the long period during which pilgrims arriving at the Shrine found the scaffolding of a construction site to welcome them and, right in the middle of the Jubilee, has made it possible to provide them a more dignified welcome.

It is no coincidence that 2025 was a particularly intense year full of immense joy. The ordinary Jubilee dedicated to Hope has led us, in fact, to welcome an uninterrupted and ever-growing flow of hundreds of pilgrims coming every day from all continents and eager to venerate the image of the true Face of the Risen Jesus. It was particularly touching to see thousands of young people reach Manoppello, after passing through Rome for the Jubilee dedicated to them, bringing fervor and enthusiasm.

This extraordinary experience was joined by the grace of this year's Franciscan Jubilee, celebrated, at the end of the series of Franciscan anniversaries, on the occasion of the eighth centenary of the death of the Poverello of Assisi and which has attracted significant flows of pilgrims to the Basilica even in these months.

Moments of deep emotion for the faithful were also linked to the presence in Manoppello, in the Basilica of the Holy Face, of precious relics such as those of St. Francis himself and the body of St. Camillus de Lellis: being able to pause in prayer and venerate them in the presence of the Holy Face represented an unforgettable and unique spiritual experience for all of us.

The increasingly widespread knowledge of the Holy Face in the world (also recounted in the latest issue of the magazine of the Holy Face) is evidenced by the enthronement of a reproduction of the Sacred Image venerated in Manoppello, which took place last March in Mosul, a martyred city of Iraq, by the Syriac Catholic bishop, at the same time as the inauguration of a new church, built after the destruction and persecution of Christians by ISIS in 2017. A courageous and highly symbolic gesture that must make us reflect on the mystery of the Holy Face.

I myself can remember firsthand the extraordinary experience of the enthronement of a copy of the Holy Face on July 16, 2025, at the National Center for Padre Pio, in Barto, Pennsylvania - a reference for devotion in the United States to the Saint of Pietrelcina - celebrated together with His Excellency Bishop Alfred Andrew Schlert of the Diocese of Allentown, who kindly came to Manoppello in the  days just prior to the enthronement to meet the Holy Face in person and then accompany me on the journey to America. An event which was commemorated in the United States just a few days ago, on its one-year anniversary.  

The complex historical story of the Holy Face found a unique moment in the twinning that took place in 2024 with the parish of Chiusa Sclafani in Sicily, where a seventeenth-century copy of the Veronica is venerated.

A mention should be made, not least, of the pilgrimage of the replica of the Holy Face to a number of churches of Lazio, Puglia, Campania, and Abruzzo, where we have always been warmly welcomed by religious and people.

But this is certainly not the place for a complete and exhaustive balance sheet of the six years during which, believe me, I have always tried to do my best to carry out the mission that had been entrusted to me.

Living for a long time next to the Holy Face was a priceless gift, which has profoundly safeguarded me and led to an increase in my humanity, my spirituality, and my ministry in the service of God, the Church and all our brothers and sisters.

The grace and love of the Holy Face will always accompany me, especially in my next post in Assisi, the land of Saint Francis.

I hope you will remember me in prayer, and I hope that my successor will be welcomed with friendship and helped to carry forward the leadership of the Shrine towards new horizons.

Fra Antonio Gentili OFM, Cap Rector of the Shrine of the Holy Face

The Lord Makes His Face to Shine in Iraq

The Syriac Catholic bishop of Mosul, Iraq, His Excellency Younan Hano, with other bishops of the ecclesiastical region, inaugurates the new church dedicated to the Holy Face. In the background the Jewish "Menorah" and an enlargement of the Holy Face of Manoppello





This article originally appeared in the publication of the Shrine of the Holy Face of Manoppello, "Il Volto Santo di Manoppello" No. 1, 2026, June edition.

by Polus Gajo




"May the Lord bless you

and protect you; may the Lord make

His Face shine upon you

and be propitious to you; may the Lord turn

His Face to you and grant you peace"

(Priestly blessing

from Numbers 6:24-26)




In March 2024 we went to Manoppello in Abruzzo for a few days' retreat at the beautiful 

Shrine of the Holy Face, cared for by the Capuchin friars. In April

of the same year, for Easter, we were in Iraq, in my birthplace of Qaraqosh

(called by us Bakhdida), on the plain of Nineveh around 30 kilometers from Mosul.



In Qaraqosh, paying a visit to my bishop, His Excellency Younan Hano, head of the

diocese of Mosul, we brought him as a gift a precious reproduction of the Holy Face. His

Excellency Younan Hano received it with evident joy and immediately put in the center of

his library, at his desk, in the place of honor. We shared together our emotion at having had

the privilege of approaching this extraordinary Face.

About a year later, it happened that we were in Iraq, and as usual, we went to

greet the bishop to update him on various projects in progress relating to the tradition of

liturgical Syriac chant (which was probably crystallized around the VII. century). After a

while, he said, "Let's go and visit the church." I believed that he was referring to the well

known church adjacent to his residence, in which he had perhaps undertaken some

new work. Instead, he took us to see a completely new building: A church under

construction on a large area formerly a square. His Excellency Hano was thrilled, and

rightly so. It was a very large building, elegant and majestic, in the shape of the Ark of the

Covenant, with the motifs inspired by the millennial architectural tradition of

Mesopotamia, but with Great Syriac crosses. Inside, he told us, with a big smile: "Here, on

the back wall, behind the altar, there will be a giant reproduction of the Holy Face, 4 meters

high. Of the original.”




During Construction of the New Church



You could feel the intense love he had for Jesus, and also his intimate perception of the

extraordinary nature of this Face, as well as the fact that he had made it his own mission to

make it known here in Iraq, the place of many tribulations, and also of dangers for the

Christian community. More profoundly, his faith was evident that the Lord, through the

Holy Face, would work, convert, sustain.

Faithful to his vocation and with courage, where a few years earlier, ISIS had eradicated all

the crosses he was bringing the Face of Jesus. My wife said: "This church will be unique; it

will not be like any other." "That's right," His Excellency Younan Hano replied happily.

Then he said to us: "Here, outside the church, on the side behind the altar, I plan to

construct a building that will also be a School for the liturgical chant of our ancient

Aramaic tradition". The news caused our joy to increase even greater. In a year, he had

raised up from out of nowhere this wonderful church, which would have the Holy Face –

True Door to the eternity of God – at its center.

In mid-February 2026, a few weeks before the beginning of the war in Iran - which

has many repercussions on Iraq - we were again there to support, with a violin Masterclass,

the music school (which should precisely evolve into an institutional reality). "Let's go

to see the church," the bishop told us once again. This time, it was almost finished,

now with its gold-colored walls, adorned with writings in Syriac (including the Ten

Commandments, and phrases taken from the writings of the Syriac Fathers such as

St. Ephrem, which affirm faith in Christ) and the windows surrounded by Sumerian

lyres, of ancient style. Inside, the immense reproduction, on wood (using a refined wood

burning art technique), of the Holy Face, on the main wall, behind the altar. On the sides of

the church, above, using the same technique, the design of the stations of the Via

Crucis. From a large cross surrounded by a circle placed on the ceiling above the altar

starts a ray of light that crosses the ceiling and ends up on the Cross, at the station of the

crucifixion.


Behind the Holy Face, the great candelabrum of the Hebrew tradition, the Menorah, with

seven arms, which originally burned in the Temple of Jerusalem.

While in the Jewish tradition it symbolizes the seven days of creation and the divine light

the Menorah is received in the Christian symbolism as a prefiguration of divine light,

of Christ as the "Light of the world", and of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. "I will be

criticized for this” said the bishop with a smiling face, a mixture of serene joy and the

awareness of the danger associated with the reference to the Jewish tradition (in a land

where the Jews remained after the end of the Babylonian exile). The seven gifts of the Holy

Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, fear of God. On the

ceiling, the large inscription in Syriac, "The Cross has triumphed." In the center of the

church, still on the ceiling, a giant wooden Syriac cross, finely worked with the most

elegant designs, and thousands of small crosses. Behind the church, a garden with rose

bushes that spell the word "God". We were speechless, amazed by the

theological and catechetical framework, as well as by the beauty of the implementation.




On March 25, 2026, under the fire of the ongoing war, His Excellency Younan Hano

inaugurated and consecrated the new church.




The bishop Younan Hana with two Iraqi priests reads the decree of opening
the new church to the public



Serving as a message and a promise that Jesus, using the courageous faith and the capacity

for implementation of the Syriac Catholic bishop of Mosul, gives to the peoples of Iraq and,

beyond them to those of the Middle East. "I am here," says the Holy Face.









The bishop, H.E. Younan Hano, of the Syriac Catholic diocese of Mosul opens the Holy Door of the new church.





"May the Lord bless you

and protect you; may the Lord make

His Face shine upon you

and be propitious to you; may the Lord turn

His Face to you and grant you peace"

(Priestly blessing

from Numbers 6:24-26)