A Journey of Memory, Faith, and Communication
During the week of February 17 to 20, the Commission for the beatification of Father Martino Capelli met in Bologna. The members present were Fr. Ramón Dominguez Fraile (Postulator General), Fr. Marco Bernardoni (Superior of the Studentate for Missions community in Bologna), Fr. Boris Igor Signé (Head of Communication for the Congregation), and Simona Nanetti (Secretary of the ITS Province). Fr. Charles Aimé Koudjou (General Councilor), Fr. José Ronaldo De Castro Gouveo (collaborator of the communication office), and the Superior General, Fr. Carlos Luis Suárez Codorniú, joined the Commission during several key moments.
The meetings were held in the library dedicated to the Dehonian martyr, the Venerable Servant of God Martino Capelli. These were intense days of work, reflection, and planning, experienced in an atmosphere of collaboration and cordiality. This meeting marked an important milestone on the path leading to the celebration on September 27 (at 5:00 PM in the Basilica of San Petronio), within a broader and more significant ecclesial context.
A Year of Reflection
From the very start, a clear perspective emerged for the year: the beatification of Fr. Martino Capelli will not be an isolated event, but part of a journey reflecting on the meaning of martyrdom today. His witness will be re-examined through a congregational and universal lens, within the framework of the Dehonian Jubilee Year, using the memory of martyrdom as a spiritual and pastoral “red thread.”
Communication and Outreach
Great attention was paid to communication, viewed as a primary tool to accompany the path toward beatification. Key proposals include:
- A short biography translated into multiple languages.
- The republication of spiritual writings, featuring original texts and updated commentary.
- A regular social media presence with bi-weekly posts.
- A renewed, multilingual website.
A significant highlight will be a 40 to 45-minute documentary dedicated to Father Martino’s life and the context of Monte Sole, to be presented this summer and promoted via short online videos.
Collaboration and Cultural Initiatives
The Commission also met with representatives from the Diocese of Bologna and the Salesian family to coordinate pastoral and organizational efforts. The goal is to involve the church community, the city of Bologna, the entire Congregation, civil authorities, and the laity.
Cultural initiatives will include:
- A thematic exhibition, prayer meetings, and conferences.
- Educational materials and book presentations.
- Commemorative moments at the sites of martyrdom even after the beatification to keep his memory alive.
- Synchronization with the Franciscan Festival, occurring in the city during the same days.
The Visit to Monte Sole
A particularly moving moment was the visit to Monte Sole, the site where men, women, the elderly, and children were massacred. They were accompanied in their sacrifice by the faith of Fr. Martino Capelli, Don Ubaldo Marchioni, and Don Elia Comini (all of whom will be beatified in the same ceremony).
The guide, Prof. Matteo Marabini, detailed the historical events of the massacre with great sensitivity. A meeting with a Dossettian monk during the pilgrimage further reinforced the desire to go beyond mere historical commemoration. The witness of the Monte Sole martyrs is intended to be a “provocation” for the present—challenging consciences regarding contemporary tragedies, communal responsibility, and the value of faith lived unto the gift of life.
Logistics and Brotherhood
Beyond the spiritual dimension, the Commission addressed logistical aspects: welcoming pilgrims and confreres from around the world, coordinating registrations, and creating a flexible program. Work was also finalizing the official image, logo, and commemorative objects for the event.
The week was also filled with moments of fraternal life, coinciding with the beginning of Lent, which added even deeper meaning to the gathering.
A Starting Point
More than just a celebratory event, the beatification of Father Martino Capelli represents an ecclesial and communal starting point. It unites memory with current events, spirituality with communication, and local roots with an international reach. It is a journey that invites us to rediscover the strength of being witnesses to Christ’s love in a time scarred by war and selfishness.
