On Thursday, February 13, Fr. Pierluigi Cameroni, Postulator General for the Causes of Saints of the Salesian Family, met with members of the "Pro-Marinelli" Association at the parish church of Cisternino, offering insights and suggestions on how to promote Fr. Convertini’s Cause. He emphasized the power of prayer and explained the importance of miracles in beatification and canonization processes.
On Friday, February 14, at the auditorium of the Liceo Polivalente in Cisternino, around 200 young people took part in a program titled "Telling the Story of Peace." Through reflection sessions, storytelling, artistic expressions, and discussions, they explored the theme of peace. Fr. Pierluigi Cameroni highlighted how Fr. Convertini was a pilgrim of hope who, despite facing poverty, war, and illness, sowed peace and reconciliation in people's hearts, firmly anchored in a hope that never disappoints.
At the same time, a dialogue and discussion session was held at the Basile Caramia Agricultural Technical Institute in Locorotondo (Bari), where Fr. Gabriel Cruz, a collaborator of the Postulation Office, engaged with young students.
Later that morning, a meeting was held with class representatives from the Marconi-Oliva Comprehensive School in Locorotondo.
In the evening, at the Mother Church of Locorotondo, a new statue of Venerable Fr. Francesco Convertini was blessed. This exquisite Neapolitan artwork was created by master sculptors Umberto Trupiano, Andrea Coppola, and Antonio Sorrentino.
On Sunday, February 16, due to rain, the planned "March for Peace – In the Footsteps of Venerable Francesco Convertini" could not take place. Instead, the communities of Locorotondo and Cisternino gathered at the Mother Church of Locorotondo for a Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Monsignor Giovanni Intini, Archbishop of Brindisi-Ostuni. Concelebrating the Mass were Fr. Tome Mihaj, Vice Provincial of the Southern Italian Province - IME, Fr. Newton and Fr. Jacob, parish priest of the Cathedral and Rector of the Seminary of Krishnagar, Fr. Stefano Bruno, parish priest of Locorotondo, along with Fr. Pierluigi Cameroni and Fr. Gabriel Cruz.
In his homily, Monsignor Intini spoke of Fr. Convertini as a man of the Beatitudes, a man of peace, whose open heart allowed him to welcome and encounter others without prejudice or resistance.
Following the Mass, a moment of reflection and sharing took place, inspired by Pope Francis' message for the 2025 World Day of Peace: "Forgive Us Our Debts, Grant Us Your Peace." This theme was also the focus of the ninth edition of the "Metti Amore" contest, coordinated by Giuseppe Convertini and Giancarlo Carbotti. Participants created banners and posters, creatively expressing the message of peace intertwined with the life of Venerable Father Francesco Convertini.
Paolo Giacovelli, councilor of the Municipality of Locorotondo, reflected on the event:"The March for Peace celebrates 20 years—an important milestone, a way to reaffirm our firm rejection of war, in memory of a holy man like Fr. Francesco Convertini. This morning, due to the rain, we gathered in the church. I wonder if Fr. Convertini’s beloved oak tree noticed the silence surrounding it. A silent community that speaks volumes, just as he taught us—an example of life. It is always moving to walk together, to stay united, to keep the same pace—even while standing still in these pews. Those who have never experienced this have no idea what they are missing."
https://www.infoans.org/en/component/k2/item/23497-italy-annual-commemoration-of-fr-francesco-convertini-sdb#sigProId4ba9ac7ada
