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.
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