Mercato San Severino, the thread of Francis: the relic that unites communities

As part of the initiatives promoted for the eighth centenary of the Transitus of Saint Francis, a particularly important role in the Campania region is played by the Convent-Parish of Sant'Antonio di Padova in Mercato San Severino, led by the Friars Minor. Here, starting March 2nd and continuing until June, concerts, exhibitions, and cultural events will take the community on an intense spiritual and artistic journey dedicated to the figure of the Saint of Assisi.

In this packed calendar of events, the evening of March 13th , at 8:00 pm, stands out, dedicated to Father Enzo Fortunato and his book “E se tornasse San Francesco?” , published by Edizioni San Paolo in October 2025. The volume was born from a deliberately provocative question, designed to interrogate our time: what would be the impact of the Saint of Assisi today in a world crossed by increasingly widespread and painful conflicts?

"Saint Francis would be able to respond as the man of peace he was, inviting us once again to be instruments of peace," the author stated in an interview. This reflection makes the book particularly timely and will offer the community a valuable opportunity for dialogue and reflection.

Father Enzo Fortunato, a charismatic Franciscan and one of the most authoritative voices in disseminating the thought of the Saint of Assisi, enriches the festival with his presence at the events at the Mercato San Severino convent, offering the public a profound reflection on the central theme of the celebrations. A theologian, journalist, and tireless communicator, Father Enzo combines expertise, creativity, and a rare ability to bring the Franciscan message to life.

His work as a popularizer makes him a constant presence in the media landscape: he is a frequent host or guest on television and radio programs dedicated to spirituality, culture, and the journeys of the soul. His best-known television appearance is the program "In Cammino" on Rai 3, which is offered in various versions—from art and faith, to the paths of the soul, and specials dedicated to significant moments of the liturgical year.

His years of commitment, along with his dedication and tenacity, did not go unnoticed by Pope Francis, who called him to Rome, entrusting him with the role of Director of Communications for St. Peter's Basilica and coordinator of World Children's Day . A service that Father Enzo called "a beautiful but also delicate thing; extremely delicate and extraordinary."

In addition to these roles, Father Enzo Fortunato is also the editor of Piazza San Pietro , the official magazine of the Papal Basilica, where he curates editorials and in-depth articles on the life of the Church, social and cultural issues, spirituality, and current events. This commitment confirms his ability to combine communication, faith, and pastoral vision.

The calendar prepared by the Friars Minor fully expresses their intention to inspire renewed interest in the figure of the Saint of Assisi through a series of initiatives of great spiritual and cultural value. Among these, the peregrinatio of the relic of Saint Francis stands out : a fragment of the cord with which the Patron Saint of Italy girded his habit. A sacred object that, through its journey among communities, becomes the symbolic thread uniting the region in a time that calls for brotherhood and hope.

Below are the next stops on the relic's pilgrimage, which will continue to visit local communities until March 29:

• Thursday 12 March – Pastoral Unit of Piano di Montoro – Children – San Bartolomeo, Parish of San Giovanni Battista and San Nicola da Tolentino
• Saturday March 14 – Torchiati di Montoro, Parish of SS. Salvatore and San Martino
• Sunday March 15 – Sarno, Convent of San Francesco (morning) – Siano, Parish of Santa Maria delle Grazie (afternoon)
• Wednesday March 18 – Castel San Giorgio, Parish of Santa Maria delle Grazie

In addition to the pilgrimage and the important meeting with Father Enzo Fortunato, who offered an enlightened perspective on the figure of Saint Francis, the Friars Minor of the Mercato San Severino convent have chosen to broaden their perspective and nourish the community with a series of cultural events, further opportunities for encounter and reflection.

Art performance by Salino Matta (May 16) – Music and painting intertwine, giving life to a show with a strong emotional charge.

June Meditation Concert

Exhibition "Saint Francis: a Face, a Story"

An intense period dedicated to Saint Francis, which we invite you to follow to rediscover that sense of peace, brotherhood, and mutual care that is the living heart of Franciscan spirituality.