Fr. Domenico da Cese Commemorated at Manoppello on the 42nd Anniversary of his Death

 

Text and Photos by Antonio Bini

The annual celebration in the Basilica Shrine of the Holy Face of Manoppello for Fr. Domenico da Cese was held on Sunday, September 20th, 42 years after his death  in Turin, where he had gone for the extraordinary exhibition of the Holy Shroud. Struck by a car, in the pedestrian zone, as he crossed the road  a few hours after visiting the Turin Cathedral, Father Domenico ended his generous life of dedication to relieving the suffering of countless people, and to spreading the knowledge and devotion of the Holy Face.

The commemoration began with the thanks of Father Carmine Cucinelli to the many devotees of Fr. Domenico coming from various parts of Italy, among them a large group from Ruvo di Puglia who arrived by chartered bus. There followed the reading of some testimonies about the life of Fr.. Domenico, chosen by Fr. Eugenio Di Giamberardino, the Vice- postulator of the cause of Fr. Domenico,  The afternoon continued with the recitation of the Rosary and with Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Matteo Siro, Provincial Minister of Central Italy (which since July unites the former  Capuchin provinces of Abruzzo, Lazio and Umbria), along with other religious. 

At the beginning of the Mass Fr. Carmine explained that for health reasons Br. Vincenzo D'Elpidio was unable to participate,  Br. Vincenzo. Fr. Domenico's friend, has for many years dedicated himself to gathering testimonies about the extraordinary events resulting from prayers to the Servant of God. Fr. Carmine then invited me to read a short message of greeting that Br. Vincenzo wished to send to those present. (See text below)

Fr. Matteo Siro, in his homily thanked the many people present, explaining: "I did not have the grace to know Fr. Domenico as he died before I was born. However I have read about him. Truly he was a simple person, so straightforward, totally immersed in the Lord. What matters is his reliance on the Lord, his fidelity to the Lord. We ask for the intercession of Fr. Domenico to do what is right on this earth."

 On the occasion of the event, a glass display case was set up in the right side chapel of the Basilica of the Holy Face containing the crucifix of the Servant of God, brought back to Italy in 1940 from the Balkans (where he was a military chaplain), his rosary and other objects belonging to him, . Also present was a large framed photo (above) of Fr. Domenico, offered by a devotee of the Servant of God who passed away several months ago.

 "One day they will speak about me".  The figure of Fr. Domenico, more than 40 years after his death, continues to arouse interest and devotion even beyond national borders, also because of his life which paralleled that of St. Padre Pio. This fact confirms what the Capuchin used to say during his life, wishing that it not be he, but rather the Holy Face, which would be spoken about, to which he constantly invited others to pray, firmly convinced of its authenticity. Defining the servant of God as the Apostle of the Holy Face truly corresponds to the personal mission he developed during his time as a member of the community of the Capuchins of Manoppello, as confirmed by many testimonies that continue to arrive. Available at the exit of the Basilica, were images, books, and articles on Fr. Domenico da Cese as well as copies of the message of Br. Vincenzo (see below).

Message of Brother Vincenzo

 Manoppello - 42nd anniversary of the death of Fr. Dominic da Cese

Dear devotees of p. Domenico da Cese, for health reasons I cannot participate today in Manoppello in the celebrations of the 42nd anniversary of the death of my dear brother Fr. Domenico da Cese. But I can assure you that I am in your midst in spirit.

Father Dominic was in love with the Holy Face of Jesus and never tired of explaining its greatness, always inviting others to prayer and veneration of the Holy Face.                                                          

Father Dominic was as simple as a child, though he could sometimes appear gruff. He once said to me, "You must teach me to drive a car, because I have to go and visit the sick and bring them Communion." So I helped Fr. Domenico. I once accompanied him to Pescara where he had to go to hear the confessions and bring Communion to three men who were seriously ill. I still remember him beside me as he drove the car joyfully and contentedly.

I've heard from people about a sick woman from L’Aquila who was healed through the intercession of Fr. Domenico and that an operation already planned was no longer necessary. The truth about this possible miracle is currently being sought.

I hope that it is this way. I also wish that those who feel that they have benefited from extraordinary events, thanks to the intercession of p. Domenico, that they may, spontaneously and without fear, share their sincere testimony, with serenity, joy and a sense of gratitude towards the Lord.

I hope and fervently pray with you that Father Domenico will be recognized as a saint by Holy Mother Church.

The Holy Face of Jesus and the Servant of God Fr. Domenico da Cese bless all those present, your family members and those who are related to the figure of Fr. Domenico, wherever they live in the world. Amen.

Forever your brother, Fra Vincenzo Sabatino D'Elpidio – Shrine of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows - Pescara Colli - September 20, 2020

----I authorize Dr. Antonio Bini to read and spread this signed writing of mine---