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The Rectors of the Sanctuary
Since 1805, 10 Rectors have succeeded each other at the helm of the Sanctuary of Saint Philomena.
1. Don Francesco De Lucia (1805-1847)
2. Don Giovanni Bellofatto (1847-1856)
3. Mons. Gennaro Ippolito (1856-1893)
4. Mons. Antonio Cavaliere (1893-1900)
5. Mons. Alfonso Cavaccini (1900-1933)
6. Mons. Beniamino Masucci (1933-1950)
7. Mons. Luigi Esposito (1950-1973)
8. Don Guido Gaetano (1973-1983)
9. Don Giovanni Braschi (1983-2021)
10. Don Giuseppe Autorino (from 2021)
Don Giovanni Braschi
Among the Rectors who have succeeded in the spiritual guidance of the Sanctuary and the worship of Saint Philomena, the figure of Don Giovanni Braschi stands out without a doubt.
For thirty-eight years he led the religious community devoted to Saint Philomena, virgin and martyr.
He was born in Mugnano del Cardinale on October 24, 1943. Since childhood, he was a great devotee of the Saint, so much so that, after his formation in the seminary of Nola and in the Regional Seminary, he was ordained a priest in 1971. The important assignment came in 1983, when the Bishop of Nola appointed him Rector of the Sanctuary of Saint Philomena.
From the very beginning, supporting the new role was not at all easy, both because of the condition of the structure and because devotion to the Saint was no longer the same. At that point, a long period of work and research began, intense years in which he dedicated himself to the restoration of the Sanctuary and to reading as much information as possible about Saint Philomena. He loved her story, and his endless research was undoubtedly fundamental so that the light of devotion could be rekindled in the hearts of the faithful.
He returned to the house of the Father on February 26, 2021.
His spiritual legacy will always be alive in the memories of those who knew him.
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