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Msgr. Giovanni Braschi was born in Mugnano del Cardinale, Avellino, Italy on October 24, 1943. He grew up during the realm of the grandest feast celebrations of St. Philomena within Mugnano. This was a time when people flocked to the Sanctuary during the August feast. There was a solemn Mass and prayers within the church and great festivities outside, all one would expect on a very grand Italian occasion for this very important and special person. The Rector of the Sanctuary through the years of Msgr. Braschi?s youth was Fr. Luigi Esposito - 1950 -1962. Fr. Esposito was to educate and lead the way for the Sanctuary?s present Rector.

Dear friends through Saint Philomena

This month Monsignor Giovanni Braschi celebrates 30 years as Rector of the Sanctuary in his 42 years as a priest.

During this time he has worked hard to restore and rebuild the Sanctuary of Saint Philomena in order to welcome the devotees worldwide as the devotion continues to spread at a rapid rate.

We ask you to pray for Monsignor Braschi, for all priests and for the work of the Sanctuary and Archconfraternity. If you would like to send him your personal greeting you can by emailing santafilomena@philomena.it

Let us now appreciate and be grateful for the life's work of Monsignor as we read of his 42 of service to God, the Church and to us all:

Msgr. Giovanni Braschi was born in Mugnano del Cardinale, Avellino, Italy on October 24, 1943. He grew up during the realm of the grandest feast celebrations of Saint Philomena within Mugnano. This was a time when people flocked to the Sanctuary during the August feast. There was a solemn Mass and prayers within the church and great festivities outside, all one would expect on a very grand Italian occasion for this very important and special person. The Rector of the Sanctuary through the years of Msgr. Braschi?s youth was Fr. Luigi Esposito - 1950 -1962. Fr. Esposito was to educate and lead the way for the Sanctuary?s present Rector.

Throughout Msgr. Braschi?s training in the seminary he would go to the Sanctuary and pray at the Sacred Altar of St. Philomena to help him to get through the studies and pass his exams to become a priest. These exams were quite tough and he promised St. Philomena that if she could help him through he would offer his priesthood to her. We know our little Saint will keep you to your word! After his training in the Seminary of Nola and in the Regional Seminary, Pope ?Pius XI? of Salerno, he was ordained priest on June 19, 1971 by Msgr. Guerino Grimaldi, Bishop of Nola.Throughout Msgr. Braschi?s training in the seminary he would go to the Sanctuary and pray at the Sacred Altar of Saint Philomena to help him to get through the studies and pass his exams to become a priest. These exams were quite tough and he promised Saint Philomena that if she could help him through he would offer his priesthood to her. We know our little Saint will keep you to your word! After his training in the Seminary of Nola and in the Regional Seminary, Pope ?Pius XI? of Salerno, he was ordained priest on June 19, 1971 by Msgr. Guerino Grimaldi, Bishop of Nola.

1971 ? 1973 ? Msgr. Braschi remained within the Seminary and assisted as prefect with the education of seminarians, not yet ordained. 1971 ? 1973 ? Msgr. Braschi remained within the Seminary and assisted as prefect with the education of seminarians, not yet ordained.

1973 - 1975 - he was appointed assistant to Fr. Antonio Cirillo, Torre Annunziata, Naples and also assisted Msgr. Aniello Marano of Scafati, Salerno. Both churches were named St Francis of Paola.

1975 ? 1983 - His Excellency Msgr. Guerino Grimaldi nominated Msgr. Braschi Parish Priest of the Church of Saint Maria of the Rosary in Cinquevie Selve di Nola where with great effort he constructed a new church.

September 25, 1983 - His Excellency Msgr. Giuseppe Costanzo, Bishop of Nola, nominated Fr. Giovanni Braschi Rector of the Sanctuary Saint Philomena in Mugnano. Like his predecessor Msgr. Luigi Esposito, Fr. Braschi always gave accurate detail to the Saint Philomena question.

Now begins the story of Msgr. Giovanni Braschi & Saint Philomena

Don Giovanni was called by the Bishop?s office and offered the position of the Rector of the Sanctuary. He was given a few days until an answer was required. During this time he is in the region of St. Pio?s Shrine in San Giovanni Rotundo. At this time the saint was still known as Padre Pio. Don Giovanni knelt down in the church and prayed for guidance to Padre Pio about his appointment. He had known the devotion to St. Philomena was not as it once was and that it would entail a great deal of work, not only within the devotion but also with the church itself, which was in need of a huge restoration. He spent a considerable amount of time in the presence of God in Our Lady of Grace Church and with guidance from Padre Pio. At the end of this time he walked out of the church with his mission as the Rector of the Sanctuary of St. Philomena and zeal in his heart to promote devotion to St. Philomena. He also accepted the suffering he knew this work would bring.Msgr. Braschi, who was known to all in contact with the Sanctuary as Don Giovanni, now begins his life work. For this past 30 years he has worked tirelessly in restoring the Sanctuary and devotion to Saint Philomena. Here is his story:

Don Giovanni was called by the Bishop?s office and offered the position of the Rector of the Sanctuary. He was given a few days until an answer was required. During this time he is in the region of St. Pio?s Shrine in San Giovanni Rotundo. At this time the saint was still known as Padre Pio. Don Giovanni knelt down in the church and prayed for guidance to Padre Pio about his appointment. He had known the devotion to Saint Philomena was not as it once was and that it would entail a great deal of work, not only within the devotion but also with the church itself, which was in need of a huge restoration. He spent a considerable amount of time in the presence of God in Our Lady of Grace Church and with guidance from Padre Pio. At the end of this time he walked out of the church with his mission as the Rector of the Sanctuary of Saint Philomena and zeal in his heart to promote devotion to Saint Philomena. He also accepted the suffering he knew this work would bring.

On his first day in the Sanctuary as Rector he looked around in dismay at the condition of the church. There was not only the church building but an abandoned orphanage and convent attached. With the earthquakes of 1980-81, along with few pilgrimages or devotees visiting the Sanctuary, donations were not forthcoming. Previous Rectors had not been able to keep up with the cost of operating such an historical church. Therefore no structural or decorative work had taken place for many, many years. He looked at the ceiling, the walls, the lights, the floor ? what was he to do and how could he do it! He was led straight to the Sacred Altar of St. Philomena and on bended knee asked her "How?" He stood up in the trust that the path would be lit. He never once asked "why?"On his first day in the Sanctuary as Rector he looked around in dismay at the condition of the church. There was not only the church building but an abandoned orphanage and convent attached. With the earthquakes of 1980-81, along with few pilgrimages or devotees visiting the Sanctuary, donations were not forthcoming. Previous Rectors had not been able to keep up with the cost of operating such an historical church. Therefore no structural or decorative work had taken place for many, many years. He looked at the ceiling, the walls, the lights, the floor ? what was he to do and how could he do it! He was led straight to the Sacred Altar of Saint Philomena and on bended knee asked her "How?" He stood up in the trust that the path would be lit. He never once asked "why?"

Throughout the first three years Don Giovanni had only one prayer card to Saint Philomena - the Supplicate of Saint Philomena - the official prayer of the Sanctuary. There were no devotional items, no statues, no cords or chaplet beads. An annual blessing of the Oil of Saint Philomena took place and the oil lamp always was lit in front of the Sacred Body Saint Philomena.

After the first year he began to form the new Universal Archconfraternity of St. Philomena. He had family and friends who could speak several languages who helped to translate letters that were sent to the Sanctuary. In this way he developed international contacts. This was to be the beginning of the office in the Sanctuary. In 1985 Don Giovanni wrote his first book about St. Philomena and had it translated into several languages. By 1986 he had appointed the first new Archconfraternity Center in Sydney, Australia. Don Giovanni began reading and collecting as many books on Saint Philomena as he could. He began a restoration program and collected donations where he could. He used all the personal money he had and continues to do so. Most of the pilgrimages who visited the Sanctuary during those years were Italian.

After the first year he began to form the new revived Universal Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena. He had family and friends who could speak several languages who helped to translate letters that were sent to the Sanctuary. In this way he developed international contacts. This was to be the beginning of the office in the Sanctuary. In 1985 Don Giovanni wrote his first book about Saint Philomena and had it translated into several languages. By 1986 he had appointed the first new Archconfraternity Center in Sydney, Australia.

By this point he felt the need for help in the Sanctuary and requested this of his Bishop. Shortly after, Sister Bertilla R.I.P. was appointed to the Sanctuary. She helped Don Giovanni on every level she could manage. She woke before 6 a.m. and did not go to sleep again until her work for that day was done. She often worked about 17 hours each and every day. Don Giovanni has always said she did the work of ten people. She took on a motherly role and made contact with the people of town to help in the church. She worked making cords and scapulars and many other devotional items. She and Don Giovanni created a gift shop within the church and furnished it with devotional items. Don Giovanni worked for at least ten years to have a statue of St. Philomena created - a statue that would do her justice. It would take a phenomenal piece of work for a sculpture to measure up to what Don Giovanni had in his mind for his Saint.By this point he felt the need for help in the Sanctuary and requested this of his Bishop. Shortly after, Sister Bertilla R.I.P. was appointed to the Sanctuary. She helped Don Giovanni on every level she could manage. She woke before 6 a.m. and did not go to sleep again until her work for that day was done. She often worked about 17 hours each and every day. Don Giovanni has always said she did the work of ten people. She took on a motherly role and made contact with the people of town to help in the church. She worked making cords and scapulars and many other devotional items. She and Don Giovanni created a gift shop within the church and furnished it with devotional items. Don Giovanni worked for at least ten years to have a statue of Saint Philomena created - a statue that would do her justice. It would take a phenomenal piece of work for a sculpture to measure up to what Don Giovanni had in his mind for his Saint.

Don Giovanni began to be invited abroad to talk about St. Philomena and thus creating new Archconfraternity Centers. He bought the first computer for his office in 1988 with MS-DOS. Communications began to come and go more frequently and were building up momentum. The devotion to St. Philomena was once again budding like a flower not yet in full bloom. By 1992 Don Giovanni began to create guest rooms in the Sanctuary and Sister Bertilla would ensure they were well turned out and clean. In this way families and small groups of people could stay close. Don Giovanni began to be invited abroad to talk about Saint Philomena and thus creating new Archconfraternity Centers. He bought the first computer for his office in 1988 with MS-DOS. Communications began to come and go more frequently and were building up momentum. The devotion to Saint Philomena was once again budding like a flower not yet in full bloom. By 1992 Don Giovanni began to create guest rooms in the Sanctuary and Sister Bertilla would ensure they were well turned out and clean. In this way families and small groups of people could stay close.

In 1998 Don Giovanni had a website for the Sanctuary designed in Italian and English. 2003 began a new era for this website. A final custom design, which the Sanctuary now displays, photos and video files. By 2005 the website was receiving around one million visitor hits each month. An online shop was created in order for devotees to obtain items direct from the Sanctuary. These items lovingly evolved into the professional and high quality items available today.In 1998 Don Giovanni had a website for the Sanctuary designed in Italian and English. 2003 began a new era for this website. A final custom design, which the Sanctuary now displays, photos and video files. By 2005 the website was receiving around one million visitor hits each month. An online shop was created in order for devotees to obtain items direct from the Sanctuary. These items lovingly evolved into the professional and high quality items available today.

By the year 2000 Don Giovanni had created the Pilgrims Center. There are many rooms, including some around the dome on the third floor. On the fourth floor a room has access directly onto the Sanctuary?s roof with spectacular views across the town and the green mountains surrounding it. An elevator was installed by Fr. James Swenson R.I.P. of Nevada, US, who was a great benefactor to the restoration program of the Sanctuary. The first official pilgrimage arrived in May of 2001. This Pilgrim Center is a work in progress with yet another eight rooms awaiting restoration. There is a full and professional kitchen, a dining hall, lounge areas on several levels and garden access.

For the 2005 celebrations of the 200th anniversary of the Sacred Body of St. Philomena arriving in the Sanctuary: he restored fully the main church, created a confessional chapel, had the sacristy restored, organized major events, including a conference in Rome of all matters related to St. Philomena. A major feast celebration was held in August, and continues to be viewed on the website. In the year 2002, Don Giovanni initiated many scientific studies into all matters regarding Saint Philomena. This work was completed by 2005 and is published in Don Giovanni?s new book, excerpted below. These studies cleared up many questions about Saint Philomena with a very positive outcome.

For the 2005 celebrations of the 200th anniversary of the Sacred Body of Saint Philomena arriving in the Sanctuary: he restored fully the main church, created a confessional chapel, had the sacristy restored, organized major events, including a conference in Rome of all matters related to Saint Philomena. A major feast celebration was held in August, and continues to be viewed on the website.

A new and larger devotional shop was created in the church and the museum has been restored and treated and redecorated. Still outstanding for Don Giovanni are many ongoing projects: the repair of the leaky dome, the completion of the replica of the catacombs with the tomb of Saint Philomena and another elevator for the disabled to the dining hall.

Drew MarianiIt has been 2 years since Sister Bertilla finally took her place in Heaven after a long illness. Don Giovanni made sure all her care and needs were taken care of throughout this time. I am sure she would agree that Don Giovanni will be marked down in history as one of the great leaders of the devotion to Saint Philomena. He has proved to be one of the most historical rectors of the Sanctuary and most defiantly a pioneer in many avenues. Particularly in these days, he makes no decision without first praying to Jesus Christ, Our Blessed Mother and Saint Philomena. He has a statue of St. Pio in the church as his first guide to the work of the Sanctuary.

Don Giovanni finally finished his new book last year in Italian, ?Saint Philomena, Testimony of the Light of Christ?. It has taken him 26 years to research and write. It has now been translated into English, French and Spanish. The English edition will be published this August. This is the most comprehensive book about St Philomena, each fact well researched and accurate. It is not only a pleasure to read but also an inspiring story of a wonderworking Saint. This year, a poem, "Star of Heaven" by Giuseppe Boccia, influenced him to write yet another book with this title, which has not yet been translated into other languages.Don Giovanni finally finished his new book last year in Italian, ?Saint Philomena, Testimony of the Light of Christ?. It has taken him 26 years to research and write. It has now been translated into English, French and Spanish. This is the most comprehensive book about Saint Philomena, each fact well researched and accurate. It is not only a pleasure to read but also an inspiring story of a wonderworking Saint. This year, a poem, "Star of Heaven" by Giuseppe Boccia, influenced him to write yet another book with this title, which has not yet been translated into other languages.

If not for his perseverance and strong stance you would not now be reading this newsletter. He pushes all of us to the best we can be for St. Philomena and educates us about her with each new step he takes.If not for his perseverance and strong stance you would not now be reading this newsletter. He pushes all of us to the best we can be for Saint Philomena and educates us about her with each new step he takes.

Don Giovanni - from your Family, Friends, Devotees, Archconfraternity Center Representatives, Committee Members, Workers for the Cause of Saint Philomena in all areas. We thank you and hope you have enjoyed reading what we have written about some of your accomplishments through these years. We appreciate all your efforts and vow to continue to support you and help you realize your continuing goals for the work of the Sanctuary and the devotion to our beloved Saint Philomena.

We invite all of you to join us in the celebration of a priest who sacrificed so much to ensure that the earthly home of our beloved St. Philomena is as grand and welcoming as it is today. When you visit the Sanctuary today you are given comfortable lodgings at a place so close to the Sacred Altar of St. Philomena. When you visit the Sanctuary you are made to feel at home and welcome like only a beloved relative could make you feel. That is what it is like to visit and stay at the Pilgrim Center.We invite all of you to join us in the celebration of a priest who sacrificed so much to ensure that the earthly home of our beloved Saint Philomena is as grand and welcoming as it is today. When you visit the Sanctuary today you are given comfortable lodgings at a place so close to the Sacred Altar of Saint Philomena. When you visit the Sanctuary you are made to feel at home and welcome like only a beloved relative could make you feel. That is what it is like to visit and stay at the Pilgrim Center.

Don Giovanni, God bless you from the Universal Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena,

From all of the Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena Centers worldwide.

In Christ Through Saint Philomena,


Marie Burns
Director of the Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena

Our Lady Pray for us!
St. Michael protect us!

Msgr. Giovanni Braschi was born in Mugnano del Cardinale, Avellino, Italy on October 24, 1943. He grew up during the realm of the grandest feast celebrations of St. Philomena within Mugnano. This was a time when people flocked to the Sanctuary during the August feast. There was a solemn Mass and prayers within the church and great festivities outside, all one would expect on a very grand Italian occasion for this very important and special person. The Rector of the Sanctuary through the years of Msgr. Braschi?s youth was Fr. Luigi Esposito - 1950 -1962. Fr. Esposito was to educate and lead the way for the Sanctuary?s present Rector.

 

Queridos amigos de Santa Filomena

Esta semana, Monse?r Giovanni Braschi celebra 30 a?s como rector del Santuario. Durante este tiempo trabaj?duro para restaurar y reconstruir el Santuario de Santa Filomena, con el fin de acomodar a los devotos de todo el mundo debido a la devoci? que se sigue propagando r?idamente.

Por favor oren por Monse?r Braschi, por todos los sacerdotes y por el trabajo del Santuario y el archicofradia . Si desea enviar un saludo personal, puede enviar un e-mail a santafilomena@philomena.it

Apreciamos y agradecemos a Monse?r Braschi para el trabajo de toda una vida por sus 42 a?s de servicio a Dios, a la Iglesia y para todos nosotros.

Mons. Giovanni Braschi naci?en Mugnano del Cardinale, Avellino, Italia el 24 de octubre de 1943. Se cri?en esta ciudad durante el reinado de las m? grandes celebraciones de la fiesta de Santa Filomena en la ciudad. Un tiempo en que las personas acud?n al santuario y hab? poco espacio para moverse en esta peque? ciudad durante la fiesta de agosto. Hab? la solemne misa y las oraciones en la iglesia y en el exterior una gran fiesta, con todo lo que se puede esperar en una ocasi? italiana muy grande para una persona muy importante y especial. El rector del santuario a trav? de los a?s de su juventud, fue el padre. Luigi Esposito 1950 -1962. Esto es lo que hab? para educar y abrir el camino de nuestro actual Rector.

Throughout Msgr. Braschi?s training in the seminary he would go to the Sanctuary and pray at the Sacred Altar of St. Philomena to help him to get through the studies and pass his exams to become a priest. These exams were quite tough and he promised St. Philomena that if she could help him through he would offer his priesthood to her. We know our little Saint will keep you to your word! After his training in the Seminary of Nola and in the Regional Seminary, Pope ?Pius XI? of Salerno, he was ordained priest on June 19, 1971 by Msgr. Guerino Grimaldi, Bishop of Nola.A lo largo de su formaci? en el seminario iba a al santuario y rezaba en el altar sagrado de Santa Filomena para ayudarle a trav? de los estudios y aprobar sus ex?enes para convertirse en sacerdote. Estos ex?enes fueron muy dif?iles y prometi?a Santa Filomena que si le pod? ayudar, ? ofrecer? su sacerdocio a ella. Como sabemos de nuestra peque? santa ella le mantendr?a su palabra! Despu? de su formaci? en el Seminario de Nola y el Seminario Regional de Papa "P? XI" de Salerno. Fue ordenado sacerdote el 19 de junio de 1971 por Monse?r. Guerino Grimaldi, Obispo de Nola.

1971 ? 1973 ? Msgr. Braschi remained within the Seminary and assisted as prefect with the education of seminarians, not yet ordained. 1971 - 1973 se mantuvo en el Seminario y asisti?como prefecto de la educaci? de los seminaristas, a? no ordenados.

1973 - 1975 fue nombrado asistente del Padre. Antonio Cirillo, Torre Annunziata, N?oles y tambi? ayud?a Monse?r Aniello Marano de Scafati, de Salerno. Ambas iglesias con el nombre de San Francisco de Paula.

1975 - 1983 Su Excelencia Monse?r. Guerino Grimaldi le nombr?p?roco de la iglesia de Santa Maria del Rosario en Cinquevie Selve di Nola, donde el Padre Braschi con mucho esfuerzo construy?una nueva iglesia.

1983 25 de septiembre, Su Excelencia Monse?r Giuseppe Costanzo, obispo de Nola nombr?al Padre Giovanni Braschi Rector del Santuario de Santa Filomena en Mugnano. Que al igual que su predecesor, Mons. Luigi Esposito siempre dio detalles precisos de la cuesti? de Santa Filomena.

Ahora comienza la historia de

Monse?r. Giovanni Braschi y Santa Filomena

Don Giovanni was called by the Bishop?s office and offered the position of the Rector of the Sanctuary. He was given a few days until an answer was required. During this time he is in the region of St. Pio?s Shrine in San Giovanni Rotundo. At this time the saint was still known as Padre Pio. Don Giovanni knelt down in the church and prayed for guidance to Padre Pio about his appointment. He had known the devotion to St. Philomena was not as it once was and that it would entail a great deal of work, not only within the devotion but also with the church itself, which was in need of a huge restoration. He spent a considerable amount of time in the presence of God in Our Lady of Grace Church and with guidance from Padre Pio. At the end of this time he walked out of the church with his mission as the Rector of the Sanctuary of St. Philomena and zeal in his heart to promote devotion to St. Philomena. He also accepted the suffering he knew this work would bring.Monse?r Braschi conocido en todo contacto con el Santuario como Don Giovanni comienza su vida laboral. Por los ?timos 30 a?s ha trabajado incansablemente en la restauraci? de esta iglesia y la devoci?, Esta es su historia:

Don Giovanni en sus vacaciones es llamado a la oficina del Obispo y se le ofreci?el cargo de Rector del Santuario. Se le da un par de d?s hasta que se le requiere una respuesta. Durante este tiempo se encuentra en la regi? en la capilla de San P? en San Giovanni Rotundo, en este momento era conocido como el Padre P?. Don Giovanni se arrodill?en la iglesia y or?por orientaci? al Padre P? en esta cita. Es sabia que la devoci? a Santa Filomena no era como antes y que esto implicar? una gran cantidad de trabajo, no s?o dentro de la devoci?, sino tambi? con la iglesia misma que estaba en necesidad de una gran restauraci?. Pas?un tiempo considerable en la presencia de Dios en la Iglesia Nuestra Se?ra de la Gracia y con la orientaci? del Padre P?. Al final de este tiempo, sali?de la iglesia con la misi? de Rector del Santuario de Santa Filomena y nuevo promotor entusiasta de la devoci? a Santa Filomena en su coraz?. Tambi? acept?el sufrimiento esta obra traer?consigo.

On his first day in the Sanctuary as Rector he looked around in dismay at the condition of the church. There was not only the church building but an abandoned orphanage and convent attached. With the earthquakes of 1980-81, along with few pilgrimages or devotees visiting the Sanctuary, donations were not forthcoming. Previous Rectors had not been able to keep up with the cost of operating such an historical church. Therefore no structural or decorative work had taken place for many, many years. He looked at the ceiling, the walls, the lights, the floor ? what was he to do and how could he do it! He was led straight to the Sacred Altar of St. Philomena and on bended knee asked her "How?" He stood up in the trust that the path would be lit. He never once asked "why?"En su primer d? al entrar en el Santuario como rector vio a su alrededor con consternaci? por la condici? de la iglesia. Hab? no s?o el edificio de la iglesia, sino tambi? un orfanato abandonado y un convento tambi? abandonado adjunto a la presente estructura de la iglesia. Con los terremotos de 1980-81, junto con los pocos devotos y peregrinos visitando el Santuario en ese momento las donaciones no se hab? recibido y los anteriores rectores no pod? mantenerse al d? con el enorme costo de funcionamiento de una iglesia hist?ica y por lo tanto no se hab?n adoptado trabajos estructurales o decorativos en el lugar por muchos, muchos a?s. Mir?hacia el techo, las paredes, las luces, el suelo - Que iba a hacer y c?o pod? hacerlo?! Fue llevado directamente al sagrado altar de Santa Filomena y de rodillas le pregunt?"c?o". Se puso de pie con la confianza de que el camino se iluminar?. Nunca otra vez el pregunt?"por qu?quot;!

A lo largo de los tres primeros a?s ten? una tarjeta de oraci? a Santa Filomena, la suplica de Santa Filomena, la oraci? oficial del Santuario. No hab? elementos devoci?, ni estatuas, cordones o coronitas. La bendici? anual del aceite de Santa Filomena siempre se llev?a cabo y la l?para de aceite encendida siempre estuvo delante del Sagrado cuerpo de Santa Filomena, sin embargo, esta ser? una misa peque?, pero solemne de la bendici? del aceite de Santa Filomena.

After the first year he began to form the new Universal Archconfraternity of St. Philomena. He had family and friends who could speak several languages who helped to translate letters that were sent to the Sanctuary. In this way he developed international contacts. This was to be the beginning of the office in the Sanctuary. In 1985 Don Giovanni wrote his first book about St. Philomena and had it translated into several languages. By 1986 he had appointed the first new Archconfraternity Center in Sydney, Australia. Don Giovanni comenz?a leer y coleccionar tantos libros sobre Santa Filomena como pudo. Se inici?un programa de restauraci?, colectando donaciones donde pod? y utilizo todo el dinero y personal que ten? y a? hoy lo sigue haciendo, en su mayor? eran italianos los peregrinos que visitaban el santuario.

Despu? del primer a? comenz?a iniciar la nueva Archicofrad? Universal de Santa Filomena. Hab? familiares y amigos que, afortunadamente, pod?n hablar varios idiomas y ayudaron a traducir las cartas que eran enviadas al Santuario. De esta manera, desarroll?contactos internacionales. Este iba a ser el comienzo de la oficina en el Santuario. En 1985, Don Giovanni, escribi?su primer libro sobre Santa Filomena y se ha traducido a varios idiomas. En 1986 hab? nombrado el primer nuevo centro de la Archicofrad? en Sydney, Australia.

By this point he felt the need for help in the Sanctuary and requested this of his Bishop. Shortly after, Sister Bertilla R.I.P. was appointed to the Sanctuary. She helped Don Giovanni on every level she could manage. She woke before 6 a.m. and did not go to sleep again until her work for that day was done. She often worked about 17 hours each and every day. Don Giovanni has always said she did the work of ten people. She took on a motherly role and made contact with the people of town to help in the church. She worked making cords and scapulars and many other devotional items. She and Don Giovanni created a gift shop within the church and furnished it with devotional items. Don Giovanni worked for at least ten years to have a statue of St. Philomena created - a statue that would do her justice. It would take a phenomenal piece of work for a sculpture to measure up to what Don Giovanni had in his mind for his Saint.En este punto se sinti?la necesidad de ayuda para el Santuario y se fue a su obispo y le hizo la petici?. Poco despu?, la hermana Bertilla R.I.P., fue nombrada para el Santuario. Ella ayud?a Don Giovanni en todos los niveles que pudiera. Se despertaba antes de las 6 am y no iba a dormir de nuevo hasta que su trabajo para ese d? se hab? llevado a cabo, alrededor de 17 horas del d? todos y cada uno se dedico a trabajar. Don Giovanni siempre ha dicho que hizo el trabajo de diez personas. Ella tom?un papel de madre y se puso en contacto con la gente de la ciudad, para la ayuda en la iglesia, trabaj?haciendo los cordones. escapularios y otros elementos devocionales. juntos crearon una tienda de regalos, tanto a nivel estructural dentro de la iglesia y decorada con elementos de devoci?. Don Giovanni trabajo por lo menos 10 a?s en tener creada una estatua de Santa Filomena. Una que le hiciera justicia, fue un trabajo minucioso para que la escultura estuviese a la altura de lo que Don Giovanni ten? en mente para esta Santa.

Don Giovanni began to be invited abroad to talk about St. Philomena and thus creating new Archconfraternity Centers. He bought the first computer for his office in 1988 with MS-DOS. Communications began to come and go more frequently and were building up momentum. The devotion to St. Philomena was once again budding like a flower not yet in full bloom. By 1992 Don Giovanni began to create guest rooms in the Sanctuary and Sister Bertilla would ensure they were well turned out and clean. In this way families and small groups of people could stay close. Las cosas fueron tomando forma, pero siempre queda mucho por hacer. Don Giovanni comenz?a ser invitado en el extranjero para hablar de Santa Filomena y por lo tanto se crearon nuevos centros de la Archicofrad?. compr?la primera computadora de la oficina en 1988 con MS-DOS ya que las comunicaciones comenzaron a ir y venir con m? frecuencia. La devoci? a Santa Filomena, una vez m? comienza a crecer como una flor que todav? no esta en plena floraci?. En 1992 Don Giovanni comenz?a crear nuevos cuartos en el Santuario y la hermana Bertilla se aseguraba de que estuviesen bien y limpios. De esta manera, las familias y peque?s grupos de personas podr?n permanecer.

In 1998 Don Giovanni had a website for the Sanctuary designed in Italian and English. 2003 began a new era for this website. A final custom design, which the Sanctuary now displays, photos and video files. By 2005 the website was receiving around one million visitor hits each month. An online shop was created in order for devotees to obtain items direct from the Sanctuary. These items lovingly evolved into the professional and high quality items available today.En 1998 Don Giovanni mando dise?r un sitio web para el Santuario en italiano y en Ingl?. El 2003 comenz?una nueva era para la p?ina web del Santuario. Un dise? final personalizado, ahora el Santuario muestra fotos y archivos de v?eo. Para el a? 2005 el sitio web estaba recibiendo alrededor de un mill? de visitas cada mes. Una tienda en l?ea se hab? creado con el fin de que los devotos puedan obtener directamente del Santuario los art?ulos, donde estos mismos art?ulos era tan amorosamente convertidos en los elementos de alta calidad profesional que son ahora.

For the 2005 celebrations of the 200th anniversary of the Sacred Body of St. Philomena arriving in the Sanctuary: he restored fully the main church, created a confessional chapel, had the sacristy restored, organized major events, including a conference in Rome of all matters related to St. Philomena. A major feast celebration was held in August, and continues to be viewed on the website. Para el a? 2000 Don Giovanni cre?un nuevo Centro de peregrinos, creando muchas habitaciones incluyendo algunas en torno a la c?ula en el 3er piso, en la cuarta planta una habitaci? tiene acceso directamente al techo del santuario, con vista espectacular sobre la ciudad y las verdes monta?s que lo rodean. Se instal?un ascensor por el P. James Swenson R.I.P de Nevada, EE.UU., que fue un gran benefactor para el programa de restauraci? del Santuario. La primera peregrinaci? oficial estuvo all?en mayo de 2001. Hasta la actualidad este centro de peregrinaci? es un trabajo en curso con otro 8 salas en espera de restauraci?. Hay una cocina completa y profesional, un sal? comedor, salas de estar en varios niveles y acceso al jard?.

Drew MarianiEn el a? 2002, Don Giovanni inicio muchos estudios cient?icos con todos los asuntos relativos a Santa Filomena. Este trabajo fue terminado en 2005 y se publica en el nuevo libro de Don Giovanni, extractos de este se encuentran mas abajo. Estos aclaran muchas preguntas sobre Santa Filomena, con un resultado muy positivo.

Para el 2005 las celebraciones del 200 aniversario de la llegada del Cuerpo Sagrado de Santa Filomena al Santuario: restaur?completamente la iglesia principal, cre?una capilla confesional, hab? restaurado la sacrist?, organiz? grandes eventos, incluyendo una conferencia en Roma sobre todos los asuntos relacionados a Santa Filomena, junto con la celebraci? de grandes fiestas en Agosto, las cuales todav? se pueden ver en el sitio web.

Don Giovanni finally finished his new book last year in Italian, ?Saint Philomena, Testimony of the Light of Christ?. It has taken him 26 years to research and write. It has now been translated into English, French and Spanish. The English edition will be published this August. This is the most comprehensive book about St Philomena, each fact well researched and accurate. It is not only a pleasure to read but also an inspiring story of a wonderworking Saint. This year, a poem, "Star of Heaven" by Giuseppe Boccia, influenced him to write yet another book with this title, which has not yet been translated into other languages.En la actualidad dentro de la iglesia fue creada una nueva y m? grande tienda de art?ulos devocionales y s?o la semana pasada, el museo ha sido restaurado y redecorado. Aun pendientes y en marcha muchos proyectos de Don Giovanni tal como es la reparaci? de la c?ula que tiene grietas, la realizaci? de la r?lica de las catacumbas de la tumba de Santa Filomena, otro ascensor a la sala de comedor para las personas con discapacidad. Esto sin mencionar las muchas otras ?eas del Santuario que no han sido comentadas.

If not for his perseverance and strong stance you would not now be reading this newsletter. He pushes all of us to the best we can be for St. Philomena and educates us about her with each new step he takes.El mes que viene en la fiesta de Nuestra Se?ra de la Gracia el nuevo sitio web de la Archicofrad? se pondr?en marcha con el nuevo logotipo que aparece en este bolet?.

Va a ser un sitio web completo con informaci? sobre todas las actividades de la Archicofrad?, este encuentro de todos los grupos de Santa Filomena en todo el mundo no habr? sido posible sin la determinaci? y este sacerdote. Esto conmemora los 40 a?s de sacerdocio, y casi 28 a?s de trabajo a la causa de Santa Filomena que Don Giovanni ha servido.Don Giovanni, finalmente termin?su nuevo libro en italiano el a? pasado "Santa Filomena, Testimonio de la Luz de Cristo". Que le ha llevado 26 a?s para investigar y escribir. Ahora se ha traducido a Ingl?, franc? y espa?l. La edici? en Ingl? ser?publicada este mes de agosto. Complet? adem?, otro libro de Santa Filomena llamado "la estrella del Para?o", en Italiano el a? pasado.

We invite all of you to join us in the celebration of a priest who sacrificed so much to ensure that the earthly home of our beloved St. Philomena is as grand and welcoming as it is today. When you visit the Sanctuary today you are given comfortable lodgings at a place so close to the Sacred Altar of St. Philomena. When you visit the Sanctuary you are made to feel at home and welcome like only a beloved relative could make you feel. That is what it is like to visit and stay at the Pilgrim Center.Si no fuera por su perseverancia y su firme posici? ustedes ahora no estar?n leyendo este bolet?. El empuja a todos nosotros a ser lo mejor que podemos para Santa Filomena y nos educa en ella con cada nuevo paso que da.

Don Giovanni - de su familia, amigos, devotos, los representantes de los centros, los miembros del comit? los trabajadores por la causa de Santa Filomena en todas las ?eas. Le damos las gracias y esperamos que haya disfrutado la lectura de algo de lo que ha logrado a lo largo de los a?s. Apreciamos todos sus esfuerzos y oramos para ayudarle a alcanzar sus metas finales para la obra del santuario y la devoci?.

Le invitamos a unirse a nosotros en la celebraci? de un sacerdote, que sacrific?tanto para asegurar que el hogar en la tierra de nuestra querida Santa Filomena sea tan grande y acogedor como lo es hoy. Cuando usted visita el Santuario de hoy, se le ofrece confortable alojamiento en el lugar tan cerca del altar sagrado de Santa Filomena. Cuando usted visita el santuario, se le hace sentir como en casa y da la bienvenida como s?o un pariente querido puede hacerle sentir. Eso es lo que se siente al visitar y quedarse en las instalaciones del centro de peregrinos.

Que Dios los bendiga, de la Archicofrad? Universal de Santa Filomena,

En Cristo a trav? de Santa Filomena


Marie Burns
Director del Archicofradia de Santa Filomena

Nuestra Se?ra ruega por nosotros!
San Miguel nos proteja!

Msgr. Giovanni Braschi was born in Mugnano del Cardinale, Avellino, Italy on October 24, 1943. He grew up during the realm of the grandest feast celebrations of St. Philomena within Mugnano. This was a time when people flocked to the Sanctuary during the August feast. There was a solemn Mass and prayers within the church and great festivities outside, all one would expect on a very grand Italian occasion for this very important and special person. The Rector of the Sanctuary through the years of Msgr. Braschi?s youth was Fr. Luigi Esposito - 1950 -1962. Fr. Esposito was to educate and lead the way for the Sanctuary?s present Rector.

Cari amici di Santa Filomena

Questa settimana monsignor Giovanni Braschi festeggia 30 anni come rettore del Santuario. In questo periodo ha lavorato duramente per ripristinare e ricostruire il Santuario di Santa Filomena, al fine di accogliere i devoti di tutto il mondo perch?la devozione continua a diffondersi rapidamente.

Vi chiediamo di pregare per monsignor Braschi, per tutti i sacerdoti e per i lavori del Santuario e dell?Arciconfraternita. Se si desidera inviare a lui un personale saluto ?possibile inviare una e- mail a santafilomena@philomena.it

Apprezziamo e siamo grati a Monsignor Braschi per il lavoro di una vita per i suoi 42 anni di servizio a Dio, alla Chiesa e a tutti noi.

Monsignor Giovanni Braschi ?nato a Mugnano del Cardinale , in provincia di Avellino , in Italia, il 24 ottobre del 1943. Monsignore ?cresciuto durante un periodo florido in cui la festa di Santa Filomena in Mugnano veniva celebrata ampiamente e vivamente da tutta la gente. All?interno del santuario di celebrava, come avviene tutt?oggi, una messa solenne accompagnata dalle preghiere dei devoti mentre fuori la gente veniva animata da grandi feste all?aperto.

Throughout Msgr. Braschi?s training in the seminary he would go to the Sanctuary and pray at the Sacred Altar of St. Philomena to help him to get through the studies and pass his exams to become a priest. These exams were quite tough and he promised St. Philomena that if she could help him through he would offer his priesthood to her. We know our little Saint will keep you to your word! After his training in the Seminary of Nola and in the Regional Seminary, Pope ?Pius XI? of Salerno, he was ordained priest on June 19, 1971 by Msgr. Guerino Grimaldi, Bishop of Nola.Don Luigi Esposito (1950 -1962) ?stato rettore del Santuario, durante l?adolescenza di mons. Braschi. Durante la sua formazione in seminario, monsignor Braschi era solito andare al Santuario a pregare al Sacro altare di S. Filomena per i suoi studi ed esami per diventare sacerdote. Questi studi erano molto difficili e aveva promesso a S. Filomena che se li avesse superati, Le avrebbe offerto il suo sacerdozio. Sappiamo che la nostra Piccola Santina mantiene la sua parola!

Dopo la formazione al Seminario di Nola e al seminario regionale Papa "Pio XI" di Salerno, monsignor Braschi ?ordinato sacerdote il 19 giugno del 1971 da mons. Guerino Grimaldi, vescovo di Nola.

1971 ? 1973 ? Msgr. Braschi remained within the Seminary and assisted as prefect with the education of seminarians, not yet ordained. 1971 - 1973 - mons. Braschi resta in seminario in qualit?di prefetto per la formazione dei seminaristi, non ancora ordinato.

1973 - 1975 ? viene nominato assistente di Padre Antonio Cirillo, Torre Annunziata, Napoli e anche assistente del vescovo Aniello Marano di Scafati, Salerno. Entrambe le chiese sono state poi chiamate San Francesco di Paola.

1975 - 1983 - Sua Eccellenza Mons. Guerino Grimaldi nomina Braschi parroco della chiesa di S. Maria del Rosario in Cinquevie Selve di Nola, dove con grande sforzo, egli costruisce una nuova chiesa.

25 Settembre 1983 ? Sua Eccellenza Mons. Giuseppe Costanzo, Vescovo di Nola, nomina Giovanni Braschi Rettore del Santuario di Santa Filomena di Mugnano. Come il suo predecessore, mons. Luigi Esposito, Don Braschi ha sempre dato grande importanza alla questione di Santa Filomena.

La storia di Monsignor Giovanni Braschi e di S. Filomena

Don Giovanni was called by the Bishop?s office and offered the position of the Rector of the Sanctuary. He was given a few days until an answer was required. During this time he is in the region of St. Pio?s Shrine in San Giovanni Rotundo. At this time the saint was still known as Padre Pio. Don Giovanni knelt down in the church and prayed for guidance to Padre Pio about his appointment. He had known the devotion to St. Philomena was not as it once was and that it would entail a great deal of work, not only within the devotion but also with the church itself, which was in need of a huge restoration. He spent a considerable amount of time in the presence of God in Our Lady of Grace Church and with guidance from Padre Pio. At the end of this time he walked out of the church with his mission as the Rector of the Sanctuary of St. Philomena and zeal in his heart to promote devotion to St. Philomena. He also accepted the suffering he knew this work would bring.Mons. Braschi ?conosciuto da tutti coloro che sono in contatto con il Santuario, come Don Giovanni. Durante i suoi 30 anni ha lavorato senza sosta per ripristinare il Santuario e la devozione.

Don Giovanni ?stato chiamato dall'ufficio del Vescovo per coprire l?incarico di Rettore del Santuario. Gli furono concessi un paio di giorni per riflettere. Durante questo periodo si trovava nella regione del Santuario di San Pio a San Giovanni Rotondo. Nella chiesa, Don Giovanni ,?e preg?Padre Pio per la sua nomina. Sapeva che la devozione a S. Filomena non era come una volta, e occorreva molto lavoro, non solo per la devozione, ma anche per la chiesa, che aveva bisogno di grandi restauri.

On his first day in the Sanctuary as Rector he looked around in dismay at the condition of the church. There was not only the church building but an abandoned orphanage and convent attached. With the earthquakes of 1980-81, along with few pilgrimages or devotees visiting the Sanctuary, donations were not forthcoming. Previous Rectors had not been able to keep up with the cost of operating such an historical church. Therefore no structural or decorative work had taken place for many, many years. He looked at the ceiling, the walls, the lights, the floor ? what was he to do and how could he do it! He was led straight to the Sacred Altar of St. Philomena and on bended knee asked her "How?" He stood up in the trust that the path would be lit. He never once asked "why?"Dedic? molto tempo in presenza di Dio nella Chiesa di Nostra Signora delle Grazie. Alla fine di questo periodo, decise di accettare la sua missione di Rettore del Santuario di Santa Filomena e di diffondere e promuovere la devozione per S. Filomena. E con ci?egli accett?anche la sofferenza che questo arduo lavoro comportava.

Nel suo primo giorno al Santuario in qualit?di Rettore, si guard?intorno e rest?stupefatto per lo stato in cui era la chiesa. Non c'era solo l'edificio della chiesa, ma un orfanotrofio abbandonato e un convento annesso. Con i terremoti del 1980 e del 1981, le donazioni dei pochi devoti o pellegrini in visita al santuario non erano stati sufficienti. I rettori precedenti non erano stato in grado di controllare i costi di funzionamento di tale chiesa storica. Pertanto, nessun lavoro strutturale o decorativo era avvenuto per molti anni. Monsignor Braschi si rec? allora, al sacro altare di S. Filomena e in ginocchio Le chiese "Come?", ma non Le chiese mai il perch?di tutto.

After the first year he began to form the new Universal Archconfraternity of St. Philomena. He had family and friends who could speak several languages who helped to translate letters that were sent to the Sanctuary. In this way he developed international contacts. This was to be the beginning of the office in the Sanctuary. In 1985 Don Giovanni wrote his first book about St. Philomena and had it translated into several languages. By 1986 he had appointed the first new Archconfraternity Center in Sydney, Australia. Durante i primi tre anni al Santuario, Don Giovanni aveva solo una preghiera di S. Filomena : La Supplica a S. Filomena, la preghiera ufficiale del Santuario. Non c?erano oggetti di devozione, n?statue o corde. La benedizione annuale dell'olio di Santa Filomena ebbe luogo e la lampada rest?da allora sempre accesa presso il Sacro Corpo di Santa Filomena.

Don Giovanni inizi?cos?la lettura e la raccolta di molti libri su S. Filomena. Avvi?un programma di restauro e di doni. Egli ha usato tutto il denaro che aveva a disposizione, e ancora oggi continua a farlo. La maggior parte dei pellegrini che visitavano il santuario nel corso di quegli anni erano maggiormente italiani.

By this point he felt the need for help in the Sanctuary and requested this of his Bishop. Shortly after, Sister Bertilla R.I.P. was appointed to the Sanctuary. She helped Don Giovanni on every level she could manage. She woke before 6 a.m. and did not go to sleep again until her work for that day was done. She often worked about 17 hours each and every day. Don Giovanni has always said she did the work of ten people. She took on a motherly role and made contact with the people of town to help in the church. She worked making cords and scapulars and many other devotional items. She and Don Giovanni created a gift shop within the church and furnished it with devotional items. Don Giovanni worked for at least ten years to have a statue of St. Philomena created - a statue that would do her justice. It would take a phenomenal piece of work for a sculpture to measure up to what Don Giovanni had in his mind for his Saint.Dopo il primo anno, fond?l?Arciconfraternita Universale di S. Filomena. Aveva familiari e amici che conoscevano diverse lingue e che contribuirono a tradurre le lettere inviate al Santuario. In questo modo poteva cos?chiedere aiuto e contatti internazionali. Nacque cos?la segreteria del Santuario.

Don Giovanni began to be invited abroad to talk about St. Philomena and thus creating new Archconfraternity Centers. He bought the first computer for his office in 1988 with MS-DOS. Communications began to come and go more frequently and were building up momentum. The devotion to St. Philomena was once again budding like a flower not yet in full bloom. By 1992 Don Giovanni began to create guest rooms in the Sanctuary and Sister Bertilla would ensure they were well turned out and clean. In this way families and small groups of people could stay close. Nel 1985, Don Giovanni scrisse il suo primo libro su S. Filomena ed ?stato tradotto in diverse lingue. Nel 1986 nacque il primo centro dell?Arciconfraternita a Sydney, in Australia.

Aveva comunque bisogno di un aiuto al Santuario e chiese al suo vescovo. Poco dopo, suor Bertilla fu inviata al Santuario ed ha aiutato Don Giovanni con tutte le sue forze sin dal suo arrivo. Si svegliava prima delle 6 del mattino e non andava a dormire fino a quando il suo lavoro non era terminato. Ha spesso lavorato 17 ore al giorno. Don Giovanni ha sempre detto che lavorava per dieci persone. Suor Bertilla aveva assunto un ruolo materno e preso molti contatti con le persone in citt?per aiutare la Chiesa. Ha lavorato per la preparazione dei rosari e degli scapolari e per molti altri oggetti religiosi. Lei e Don Giovanni hanno creato un negozio di souvenir in chiesa, arredato con oggetti di devozione.

In 1998 Don Giovanni had a website for the Sanctuary designed in Italian and English. 2003 began a new era for this website. A final custom design, which the Sanctuary now displays, photos and video files. By 2005 the website was receiving around one million visitor hits each month. An online shop was created in order for devotees to obtain items direct from the Sanctuary. These items lovingly evolved into the professional and high quality items available today.Poco a poco Don Giovanni ha avuto diversi inviti all'estero per parlare di Santa Filomena, e quindi ha creato nuovi centri dell?Arciconfraternita. Ha comprato il primo computer nel suo ufficio nel 1988 con MS-DOS. I contatti si facevano sempre pi?intensi.

Nel 1998, Don Giovanni aveva progettato un sito web per il Santuario in italiano e inglese. Nel 2003 ?iniziata una nuova era per questo sito. Nel 2005 il sito riceveva circa un milione di visitatori al mese. Un negozio online ? stato creato per gli interessati al Santuario.

For the 2005 celebrations of the 200th anniversary of the Sacred Body of St. Philomena arriving in the Sanctuary: he restored fully the main church, created a confessional chapel, had the sacristy restored, organized major events, including a conference in Rome of all matters related to St. Philomena. A major feast celebration was held in August, and continues to be viewed on the website. Nel 2000 Don Giovanni ha fondato la Casa del Pellegrino. Ci sono molte stanze, alcune intorno alla cupola, al terzo piano. Dalla camera da letto del quarto piano ?possibile accedere direttamente al tetto del santuario con una splendida vista sulla citt?e le verdi montagne che la circondano. Un ascensore ?stato installato da Padre James Swenson, Nevada, Stati Uniti, un grande benefattore per il programma di restauro del Santuario.

Il primo pellegrinaggio ufficiale ?arrivato nel maggio 2001. La Casa del Pellegrino ?fornita di una cucina completa e professionale, una sala da pranzo, sale e un accesso al giardino.

Drew MarianiNel 2002, Don Giovanni inizia numerosi studi scientifici sulle questioni riguardanti S. Filomena. Questo lavoro ?stato completato nel 2005 ed ?pubblicato nel suo nuovo libro. Questi studi presentano molti quesiti su S. Filomena con un risultati molto positivi.

Nel 2005 per le celebrazioni del 200 ? anniversario dell?arrivo del Corpo di Santa Filomena al Santuario, ha ristrutturato completamente la chiesa principale e ha creato una cappella confessionale. Inoltre aveva restaurato la sagrestia e organizzato eventi importanti, tra cui una conferenza a Roma sulle questioni relative a S. Filomena. Una grande festa si svolge nel mese di agosto, e continua ad essere visionata sul sito.

Don Giovanni finally finished his new book last year in Italian, ?Saint Philomena, Testimony of the Light of Christ?. It has taken him 26 years to research and write. It has now been translated into English, French and Spanish. The English edition will be published this August. This is the most comprehensive book about St Philomena, each fact well researched and accurate. It is not only a pleasure to read but also an inspiring story of a wonderworking Saint. This year, a poem, "Star of Heaven" by Giuseppe Boccia, influenced him to write yet another book with this title, which has not yet been translated into other languages.Un nuovo negozio ?stato creato nella chiesa e il museo ?stato restaurato. Per Don Giovanni ci sono ancora molti progetti da portare a termine: la riparazione della cupola, il completamento della replica delle catacombe con la tomba di Santa Filomena e un altro ascensore per disabili nella sala da pranzo.

Dopo una lunga malattia Suor Bertilla ?salita in cielo e sono sicura che anche lei ?d?accordo nel considerare Don Giovanni uno dei grandi leader della devozione a S. Filomena.

L'anno scorso Don Giovanni ha terminato il suo nuovo libro in italiano, "Santa Filomena, testimone della luce di Cristo". Ha lavorato per 26 anni. Ora ? stato tradotto in inglese, francese e spagnolo. L'edizione inglese sar? pubblicata il mese di agosto. Questo ?il libro pi?completo su S. Filomena, ben documentato e preciso. Non ?solo piacevole da leggere, ma ?anche la storia di un Santa miracolosa. "Stella del Paradiso", poesia del prof. Giuseppe Boccia, ha influenzato un altro libro con questo titolo lo scorso anno, che non ?stato tradotto in altre lingue.

If not for his perseverance and strong stance you would not now be reading this newsletter. He pushes all of us to the best we can be for St. Philomena and educates us about her with each new step he takes.Il prossimo mese, in onore della festa della Madonna delle Grazie, il sito dell?Arciconfraternita lancer?il nuovo logo che appare in questa newsletter. Sar?un sito web completo con tutte le informazioni sull?Arciconfraternita. Questa riconciliazione di tutti i gruppi di Santa Filomena nel mondo non sarebbe stata possibile senza la determinazione di questo sacerdote. In questo modo festeggiamo Don Giovanni per il suo 40 ? anniversario di sacerdozio e i 28 anni di lavoro per la causa di S. Filomena.

We invite all of you to join us in the celebration of a priest who sacrificed so much to ensure that the earthly home of our beloved St. Philomena is as grand and welcoming as it is today. When you visit the Sanctuary today you are given comfortable lodgings at a place so close to the Sacred Altar of St. Philomena. When you visit the Sanctuary you are made to feel at home and welcome like only a beloved relative could make you feel. That is what it is like to visit and stay at the Pilgrim Center.Se non fosse per la sua perseveranza e la sua forza non potreste ,ora, leggere questa newsletter. Don Giovanni vi ringraziamo ed apprezziamo le innumerevoli opere che avete fatto nel corso degli anni.

Apprezziamo tutti i vostri sforzi e mi impegno a continuare a lavorare per voi per raggiungere i vostri obiettivi per il lavoro continuo del Santuario e la devozione a S. Filomena.

Vi invitiamo a partecipare alla celebrazione in onore di un sacerdote che ha sacrificato tanto per garantire che la casa terrena della nostra amata S. Filomena sia grande e accogliente come lo ?oggi.

Quando si visita il Santuario vi sentirete come a casa.

Una benedizione dell?Arciconfraternita Universale di Santa Filomena

In Cristo attraverso Santa Filomena,


Marie Burns
Direttore dell'Arciconfraternita di S. Filomena

La Madonna preghi per noi!
San Michele ci protegga!

Msgr. Giovanni Braschi was born in Mugnano del Cardinale, Avellino, Italy on October 24, 1943. He grew up during the realm of the grandest feast celebrations of St. Philomena within Mugnano. This was a time when people flocked to the Sanctuary during the August feast. There was a solemn Mass and prayers within the church and great festivities outside, all one would expect on a very grand Italian occasion for this very important and special person. The Rector of the Sanctuary through the years of Msgr. Braschi?s youth was Fr. Luigi Esposito - 1950 -1962. Fr. Esposito was to educate and lead the way for the Sanctuary?s present Rector.

Chers amis de Sainte Philom?e

Cette semaine, Mgr Giovanni Braschi f?e ses 30 ans comme recteur du sanctuaire. Pendant ce temps, il a travaill?dur pour restaurer et reconstruire le sanctuaire de Sainte Philom?e, afin d'accueillir les fid?es de tout le monde parce que la d?otion continue ?se propager rapidement.

S'il vous pla? priez pour Mgr Braschi, pour tous les pr?res et pour les travaux du sanctuaire et de l?Archiconfr?ie Universelle de Sainte Philom?e. Si vous voulez lui envoyer un message d'accueil personnel, vous pouvez envoyer une e-mail ? santafilomena@philomena.it

Nous appr?ions et sommes reconnaissants ?Mgr Braschi pour le travail de toute une vie pour ses 42 ans de service ?Dieu, ?l'Eglise et pour nous tous.

Mgr. Giovanni Braschi est n??Mugnano del Cardinale, Avellino, Italie, le 24 Octobre, 1943. Il a grandi pendant le royaume de la grandiose c??ration de la f?e de Sainte Philom?e ?Mugnano. Ce fut un temps o?les gens affluaient vers le Sanctuaire pendant la f?e d'ao?. Il y avait une messe solennelle, la pri?e dans l'?lise et des grandes festivit? ?l'ext?ieur, on attendait une occasion tr? grande pour cette personne tr? importante et particuli?e.

Throughout Msgr. Braschi?s training in the seminary he would go to the Sanctuary and pray at the Sacred Altar of St. Philomena to help him to get through the studies and pass his exams to become a priest. These exams were quite tough and he promised St. Philomena that if she could help him through he would offer his priesthood to her. We know our little Saint will keep you to your word! After his training in the Seminary of Nola and in the Regional Seminary, Pope ?Pius XI? of Salerno, he was ordained priest on June 19, 1971 by Msgr. Guerino Grimaldi, Bishop of Nola.

Le Recteur du Sanctuaire, pendant la jeunesse de Mgr. Braschi, fut P?e Luigi Esposito (1950 -1962). Tout au long de sa formation dans le s?inaire, Mgr Braschi irait au Sanctuaire pour prier ?l'autel sacr?de Sainte Philom?e pour avoir un aide ?passer ses ?udes et ses examens pour devenir pr?re. Ces examens ?aient tr? difficiles et il avait promis ?Sainte Philom?e que s?Elle pouvait l'aider ?les passer, il aurait offert son sacerdoce pour Elle. Nous savons que notre Petite Sainte tient sa parole!

Apr? sa formation au s?inaire de Nola et au s?inaire r?ional, Pape "Pie XI" de Salerne, il a ?? ordonn?pr?re le 19 Juin 1971 par Mgr. Guerino Grimaldi, ??ue de Nola.

1971 ? 1973 ? Msgr. Braschi remained within the Seminary and assisted as prefect with the education of seminarians, not yet ordained.

1971 - 1973 - Mgr. Braschi est rest?au sein du s?inaire et a aid?en tant que pr?et de l'?ucation des s?inaristes, pas encore ordonn?

1973 - 1975 - il a ??nomm?assistant du P?e Antonio Cirillo, Torre Annunziata, Naples et aussi Mgr assist?. Aniello Marano de Scafati, Salerne. Les deux ?lises ont ?? nomm? St Fran?is de Paule.

1975 - 1983 - Son Excellence Mgr. Guerino Grimaldi nomine Mgr. Braschi Cur?de l'?lise de Sainte Marie du Rosaire dans Cinquevie Selve di Nola, o?avec un grand effort, il a construit une nouvelle ?lise.

25 septembre 1983 - Son Excellence Mgr. Giuseppe Costanzo, ??ue de Nola, nomme le P?e Giovanni Braschi Recteur du Sanctuaire de Sainte Philom?e ? Mugnano. Comme son pr??esseur, Mgr. Luigi Esposito, P?e Braschi a toujours donn?beaucoup d?importance ?la question de Sainte Philom?e.

Histoire de Mgr. Giovanni Braschi et Sainte Philom?e

Don Giovanni was called by the Bishop?s office and offered the position of the Rector of the Sanctuary. He was given a few days until an answer was required. During this time he is in the region of St. Pio?s Shrine in San Giovanni Rotundo. At this time the saint was still known as Padre Pio. Don Giovanni knelt down in the church and prayed for guidance to Padre Pio about his appointment. He had known the devotion to St. Philomena was not as it once was and that it would entail a great deal of work, not only within the devotion but also with the church itself, which was in need of a huge restoration. He spent a considerable amount of time in the presence of God in Our Lady of Grace Church and with guidance from Padre Pio. At the end of this time he walked out of the church with his mission as the Rector of the Sanctuary of St. Philomena and zeal in his heart to promote devotion to St. Philomena. He also accepted the suffering he knew this work would bring.

Mgr. Braschi ?ait connu par tous ceux qui sont en contact avec le Sanctuaire comme Don Giovanni. Pendant ses 30 derni?es ann?s, il a travaill?sans rel?he ?r?ablir le Sanctuaire et la d?otion.

Voici son histoire:

Don Giovanni a ??appel?par le bureau de l'??ue pour le r?e de Recteur du Sanctuaire. On lui a ??donn?quelques jours jusqu'?ce qu'une r?onse ?ait n?essaire. Pendant ce temps il est dans la r?ion du Sanctuaire Saint Pio ?San Giovanni Rotondo. Don Giovanni s'agenouilla dans l'?lise et pria pour ?re guid?de Padre Pio ?propos de sa nomination. Il savait que la d?otion ?Sainte Philom?e n'?ait pas comme elle ?ait autrefois, et que cela entra?erait beaucoup de travail, non seulement au sein de la d?otion, mais aussi avec l'?lise, qui avait besoin d'une restauration ?orme. Il a pass?un temps consid?able ?la pr?ence de Dieu dans l'?lise Notre-Dame de Grace et avec les conseils de Padre Pio. A la fin de cette p?iode, il est sorti de l'?lise avec sa mission en tant que Recteur du Sanctuaire de Sainte Philom?e et une promotion z??de la d?otion ?Sainte Philom?e dans son c?ur. Il a ?alement accept?la souffrance qu'il savait ce travail apporterait.

On his first day in the Sanctuary as Rector he looked around in dismay at the condition of the church. There was not only the church building but an abandoned orphanage and convent attached. With the earthquakes of 1980-81, along with few pilgrimages or devotees visiting the Sanctuary, donations were not forthcoming. Previous Rectors had not been able to keep up with the cost of operating such an historical church. Therefore no structural or decorative work had taken place for many, many years. He looked at the ceiling, the walls, the lights, the floor ? what was he to do and how could he do it! He was led straight to the Sacred Altar of St. Philomena and on bended knee asked her "How?" He stood up in the trust that the path would be lit. He never once asked "why?"

D? son premier jour dans le Sanctuaire en tant que Recteur, il regarda autour de sa consternation devant l'?at de l'?lise. Il n'y avait pas seulement le b?iment de l'?lise, mais un orphelinat abandonn?et le couvent attach? Avec les tremblements de terre du 1980 ?1981, avec quelques p?erinages ou des d?ots visitant le Sanctuaire, les dons n'ont pas ??vers?. Les recteur pr??ents n'avaient pas ??en mesure de suivre le co? de fonctionnement d'une telle ?lise historique. Par cons?uent, aucun de travail structurel ou d?oratif avait eu lieu pour de nombreuses ann?s. Il a ??conduit directement ?l'autel sacr?de Sainte Philom?e et ?genoux Lui a demand?"Comment?" Il se leva dans la confiance que le chemin serait allum? Il n'a jamais demand? "pourquoi?"

Tout au long des trois premi?es ann?s, Don Giovanni avait qu'une seule carte de pri?e ?la Sainte Philom?e ? La Supplique ?Sainte Philom?e - la pri?e officielle du Sanctuaire. Il y avait pas d' articles de d?otion, pas de statues, pas de c?les ou de chapelets. Une b??iction annuelle de l'huile de Sainte Philom?e a eu lieu et la lampe ?huile a toujours ??allum?devant le Sacr?Corps de Sainte Philom?e.

After the first year he began to form the new Universal Archconfraternity of St. Philomena. He had family and friends who could speak several languages who helped to translate letters that were sent to the Sanctuary. In this way he developed international contacts. This was to be the beginning of the office in the Sanctuary. In 1985 Don Giovanni wrote his first book about St. Philomena and had it translated into several languages. By 1986 he had appointed the first new Archconfraternity Center in Sydney, Australia.

Don Giovanni a commenc?la lecture et la collection de nombreux livres sur Sainte Philom?e, comme il le pouvait. Il a commenc?un programme de restauration et recueillement de dons l?o?il le pouvait. Il a utilis?tout l'argent personnel qu'il avait, et maintenant il continue de le faire. La plupart des p?erinages qui ont visit?le Sanctuaire pendant ces ann?s ?aient italiens.

Apr? la premi?e ann?, il commen? ?former la nouvelle Archiconfr?ie Universelle de Sainte Philom?e. Il avait des membres de sa famille et des amis qui pouvaient parler plusieurs langues et qui l?ont aid?? traduire les lettres envoy?s au Sanctuaire. De cette mani?e, il a d?elopp? des contacts internationaux. Ce devait ?re le d?ut du secr?ariat du Sanctuaire. En 1985, Don Giovanni a ?rit son premier livre sur Sainte Philom?e et l'avait traduit en plusieurs langues. En 1986, il avait nomm?le premier centre de l? Archiconfr?ie ?Sydney, en Australie.

By this point he felt the need for help in the Sanctuary and requested this of his Bishop. Shortly after, Sister Bertilla R.I.P. was appointed to the Sanctuary. She helped Don Giovanni on every level she could manage. She woke before 6 a.m. and did not go to sleep again until her work for that day was done. She often worked about 17 hours each and every day. Don Giovanni has always said she did the work of ten people. She took on a motherly role and made contact with the people of town to help in the church. She worked making cords and scapulars and many other devotional items. She and Don Giovanni created a gift shop within the church and furnished it with devotional items. Don Giovanni worked for at least ten years to have a statue of St. Philomena created - a statue that would do her justice. It would take a phenomenal piece of work for a sculpture to measure up to what Don Giovanni had in his mind for his Saint.Par ce point il avait besoin d'aide dans le Sanctuaire et a demand??son ??ue. Peu apr?, S?ur Bertilla a ??nomm?au Sanctuaire. Elle a aid?Don Giovanni avec toutes ses forces. Elle s'est r?eill? avant 6 heures et ne se rendormir jusqu'?ce que son travail pour ce jour-l?a ??fait. Elle a souvent travaill? environ 17 heures chaque jour. Don Giovanni a toujours dit qu'elle travaillait pour dix personnes. Elle a pris un r?e maternel et des contacts avec les gens de la ville pour aider l??lise. Elle a travaill?en pr?arant les cordons et les scapulaires et de nombreux objets de pi?? Elle et Don Giovanni ont cr? une boutique de cadeaux dans l'?lise et meubl? avec des objets de d?otion. Don Giovanni a travaill?pendant au moins dix ans pour avoir une statue de Sainte Philom?e.

Don Giovanni began to be invited abroad to talk about St. Philomena and thus creating new Archconfraternity Centers. He bought the first computer for his office in 1988 with MS-DOS. Communications began to come and go more frequently and were building up momentum. The devotion to St. Philomena was once again budding like a flower not yet in full bloom. By 1992 Don Giovanni began to create guest rooms in the Sanctuary and Sister Bertilla would ensure they were well turned out and clean. In this way families and small groups of people could stay close.

Don Giovanni a commenc???re invit??l'?ranger pour parler de Sainte Philom?e et donc a cr? des nouveaux centres de l?Archiconfr?ie. Il a achet? le premier ordinateur de son bureau en 1988 avec MS-DOS. Des communications ont commenc??aller et venir plus fr?uemment. En 1992, Don Giovanni commence ? cr?r des chambres dans le Sanctuaire et Soeur Bertilla s'assurait qu'elles ?aient bien mis et propre. De cette fa?n, les familles et les petits groupes de personnes pourraient rester ?proximit?

In 1998 Don Giovanni had a website for the Sanctuary designed in Italian and English. 2003 began a new era for this website. A final custom design, which the Sanctuary now displays, photos and video files. By 2005 the website was receiving around one million visitor hits each month. An online shop was created in order for devotees to obtain items direct from the Sanctuary. These items lovingly evolved into the professional and high quality items available today.

En 1998, Don Giovanni avait un site Internet pour le Sanctuaire con? en italien et en anglais. En 2003 a commenc?une nouvelle ?e pour ce site. En 2005, le site recevait environ un million de visiteurs chaque mois. Une boutique en ligne a ??cr?e pour les passionn? pour d'obtenir des objets directement ? partir du Sanctuaire.

For the 2005 celebrations of the 200th anniversary of the Sacred Body of St. Philomena arriving in the Sanctuary: he restored fully the main church, created a confessional chapel, had the sacristy restored, organized major events, including a conference in Rome of all matters related to St. Philomena. A major feast celebration was held in August, and continues to be viewed on the website.

En 2000 Don Giovanni avait cr? la Maison du P?erins. Il y a de nombreuses salles, dont certains autour du d?e, au troisi?e ?age. Au quatri?e ?age une chambre a acc? directement sur le toit du sanctuaire avec une merveilleuse vue sur la ville et les montagnes verdoyantes qui l'entourent. Un ascenseur a ?? install?par le P?e James Swenson du Nevada, ?ats-Unis, qui fut un grand bienfaiteur pour le programme de restauration du Sanctuaire. Le premier p?erinage officiel est arriv?en mai 2001. Dans la Maison du P?erin il y a une cuisine compl?e et professionnelle, une salle ?manger, des salons sur plusieurs niveaux et acc? au jardin.

Drew Mariani

En 2002, Don Giovanni commence des nombreuses ?udes scientifiques sur toutes les questions concernant Sainte Philom?e. Ce travail a ??achev?en 2005 et est publi?dans le nouveau livre de Don Giovanni, extrait ci-dessous. Ces ?udes montrent beaucoup de questions sur Sainte Philom?e avec un r?ultat tr? positif.

Pour les c??rations du 2005 du 200e anniversaire du Corps de Sainte Philom?e, arriv?dans le Sanctuaire, il a restaur?enti?ement l'?lise principale et cr? une chapelle confessionnelle. En plus il avait restaur?la sacristie, organis?des ??ements majeurs, y compris une conf?ence ?Rome de toutes les questions li? ?Sainte Philom?e. Une f?e majeure a lieu en ao?, et continue d'?re consult?sur le site.

Don Giovanni finally finished his new book last year in Italian, ?Saint Philomena, Testimony of the Light of Christ?. It has taken him 26 years to research and write. It has now been translated into English, French and Spanish. The English edition will be published this August. This is the most comprehensive book about St Philomena, each fact well researched and accurate. It is not only a pleasure to read but also an inspiring story of a wonderworking Saint. This year, a poem, "Star of Heaven" by Giuseppe Boccia, influenced him to write yet another book with this title, which has not yet been translated into other languages.

Une boutique plus grande de d?otion a ??cr?e dans l'?lise et le mus? a ??restaur? Pour Don Giovanni il y avait encore des nombreux projets ? accomplir : la r?aration de la coupole, l'ach?ement de la r?lique des catacombes avec le tombeau de Sainte Philom?e et un autre ascenseur pour les personnes handicap?s ?la salle ?manger.

Next month on the feast of Our Lady of Grace the new Archconfraternity website will be launched with the new logo which appears on this newsletter. It will be a comprehensive website with information on all avenues of the Archconfraternity, this coming together of all St Philomena groups worldwide would not have been possible without the determination of this one priest. This will commemorate the 40 years of priesthood and almost 28 years of work to the cause of St. Philomena that Don Giovanni has served.

Au d?ut de cette ann? S?ur Bertilla a finalement pris sa place dans le ciel apr? une longue maladie. Don Giovanni s'est assur?que tous ses soins et les besoins ont ??pris en charge pendant tout ce temps. Je suis s? qu'elle serait d'accord que Don Giovanni sera marqu? dans l'histoire comme l'un des grands leaders de la d?otion ?Sainte Philom?e.

Il s'est av???re l'un des plus historiques recteurs du Sanctuaire. Particuli?ement en ces jours, il ne fait aucune d?ision sans d'abord prier J?us-Christ, Notre Sainte M?e et Sainte Philom?e. Il a une statue de Saint Pio dans l'?lise comme son premier guide pour les travaux du Sanctuaire.

If not for his perseverance and strong stance you would not now be reading this newsletter. He pushes all of us to the best we can be for St. Philomena and educates us about her with each new step he takes.

Don Giovanni a finalement termin?son nouveau livre l'ann? derni?e en italien, ?Sainte Philom?e, T?oin de la Lumi?e du Christ?. Il lui a travaill? pendant 26 ans. Il a maintenant ??traduit en anglais, fran?is et espagnol. L'?ition anglaise sera publi? ce mois d'ao?. C'est le livre le plus complet sur Sainte Philom?e, bien document?et pr?is. Ce n'est pas seulement un plaisir ?lire, mais aussi une histoire d'une Sainte miraculeuse. Un po?e ??oile du Paradis ? de Giuseppe Boccia, a influenc? un autre livre avec ce titre, l'ann? derni?e, qui n'a pas ??traduit en d'autres langues.

We invite all of you to join us in the celebration of a priest who sacrificed so much to ensure that the earthly home of our beloved St. Philomena is as grand and welcoming as it is today. When you visit the Sanctuary today you are given comfortable lodgings at a place so close to the Sacred Altar of St. Philomena. When you visit the Sanctuary you are made to feel at home and welcome like only a beloved relative could make you feel. That is what it is like to visit and stay at the Pilgrim Center.

Le mois prochain, en l?honneur de la f?e de Notre-Dame de Grace, le site Web de la nouvelle Archiconfr?ie sera lanc?avec le nouveau logo qui appara? sur ce bulletin. Ce sera un site Web complet avec des informations sur toutes les voies de l'Archiconfr?ie. Ce rapprochement de tous les groupes de Sainte Philom?e dans le monde n'aurait pas ??possible sans la d?ermination et cet unique pr?re. Ce va comm?orer les 40 ans de pr?rise et les 28 ann?s de travail ?la cause de Sainte Philom?e de Don Giovanni.

Si ce n'est pas pour sa pers??ance et sa position forte, vous n?aurait pas aujourd'hui la lecture de ce bulletin. Don Giovanni, ?partir de votre famille, vos amis, d?ots, des repr?entants du centre, les membres du comit? des travailleurs pour la cause de Sainte Philom?e dans tous les domaines, vous remercie et esp?e que vous avez appr?i?la lecture que nous avons ?rit au sujet de certains choses que vous avez accompli au fil des ans.

Nous appr?ions tous vos efforts et je m'engage ?continuer ?vous soutenir et vous aider ?r?liser vos objectifs pour la poursuite du travail du Sanctuaire et la d?otion ?Sainte Philom?e notre bien-aim?.

Nous vous invitons ?nous joindre ?la c??ration d'un pr?re qui a tant sacrifi?pour s'assurer que la demeure terrestre de notre bien-aim? Sainte Philom?e est aussi grande et accueillante comme il l'est aujourd'hui. Lorsque vous visitez le Sanctuaire, aujourd'hui, on vous donne un logement confortable si pr? de l'autel sacr?de Sainte Philom?e. Lorsque vous visitez le Sanctuaire vous vous sentez comme chez vous.

Une b??iction de l'Archiconfr?ie Universelle de Sainte Philom?e

Dans le Christ par Sainte Philom?e


Marie Burns
Directeur de l'Arc de Sainte Philom?e

Vierge Marie priez pour nous!
Saint Michel nous prot?ent!

Sanctuary of Saint Philomena
Piazza Umberto I
83027 Mugnano del Cardinale
Avellino, Italy
Tel: 0039 081 825 7204 Fax: 0039 081 511 2733
Email
Website
Rector, Msgr. Giovanni Braschi