Fra Elia, together with his fellow friars and the Secular Fraternity of the Mantellati, entered the Basilica of Saint Peter for the first time—specifically at the Chair of Saint Peter—where they attended Holy Mass and received a blessing.
It was a great gift, a great grace for everyone… and, though I hesitate to say it, an unexpected event willed by Jesus for His beloved son. Thank you, thank you, thank you Lord, thank you Don Marco, and thank you, Fra Elia—humble friar, yet so great in the works of God. The Holy Day began with a long and solemn procession of more than 300 Mantellati and many faithful, led by Fra Elia and his confreres. At the front, side by side, walked the four friars, filling the entire street. Fra Elia, in the center, carried a wooden cross that had been delivered to him by a Vatican coordinator. Behind them walked three Mantellati—one from Bolzano, one from Bologna, and the third from southern Italy—honored to bear the three majestic banners that tell the story of Fra Elia.
Before us, and on both sides, stretched endless lines of people moving toward St. Peter’s Basilica, separated by barriers and watched over by numerous guards. On the sidewalks, people of every color and origin, as soon as they saw us appear, raised their phones to take photo after photo.
Who were those friars dressed in white with green trim? Where did they come from? From the great cross carried by Fra Elia, it was clear we were all Christians. People from every corner of the world—Japanese, Asian, African, Australian (as we could tell), tall, short, blond—so different from Europeans—watched in amazement; some asked questions, others followed us along the way.
We walked a couple of meters behind the friars, and during the stops Fra Elia spoke to us, moving among the people—greeting someone in a wheelchair here, posing for a quick selfie there with those who recognized him. He never stays still, never wastes a moment, and we rejoiced just watching him, always eager to help everyone..
We were soon welcomed by an attendant who led us past Michelangelo’s Pietà—a sudden vision of indescribable beauty.
Always united and silent behind our guides, we gathered near Bernini’s Hall, as Don Marco had instructed us… and there we waited.t was around 2:00 p.m. when we were finally able to enter the Chair of Saint Peter, Bernini’s masterpiece—one of the most iconic symbols of the beating heart of Christianity—reserved that day for Fra Elia and his Mantellati for the celebration of Holy Mass.
And it was precisely in that blessed place that all that the Lord had willed for His beloved son came to pass. Alleluia!
Don Marco entered, together with another priest who had asked to concelebrate. Fra Elia and the other friars approached the altar and took their assigned seats.
Before the Mass began, Don Marco announced that the Bishop of Terni, just a few days earlier, had called Fra Elia to ask whether he wished to continue on his own or remain within the Church.
And Fra Elia chose to remain in the Church. From that moment, for Fra Elia of the Apostles of God and his brothers, began the path he had always desired—to belong fully to the Church with the Fraternity he had founded 22 years earlier. His disappointments, hardships, sorrows, and sacrifices were now behind him, and there, in the Basilica of Saint Peter, before its sacred relic, he felt light and fulfilled.
Those of us present were moved and uncertain—had we understood correctly? But when Fra Elia spoke to us during the Mass (not at the end), and was blessed by Don Marco before distributing the Eucharist together with his confreres, our hearts rejoiced and gave thanks.
To see all four friars, in the Vatican, giving Communion to the faithful—it was an overwhelming emotion, an immense joy. We were deeply aware that we had witnessed a great event that will forever belong to the history of the Church.
