On April 30, the Lord has gifted our Congregation with a new priest, Fr. Matteo Merla, CPPS. The ordination was celebrated through the ministry of his Grace Mons. Michele Castoro, Archbishop of Manfredonia – Vieste – San Giovanni Rotondo. The liturgy was celebrated in the parish Church of Saint Leonard, abbot, in San Giovanni Rotondo; the birth place of Fr. Matteo. Many people participated in the celebration, including about 20 CPPS members, 10 diocesan priests, our CPPS seminarians and the young members of the CPPS initial formation program and a large group of ASCs sisters.

We give thanks to God, and his mother and father, Brigida and Nicola for the gift of this new priest for the service to the Holy Mother Church.

Congratulations to Fr. Matteo and our prayers are for a fruitful and long lasting priestly ministry, following the example of the Good Shepherd, Jesus.

Text and photos: Don Benedetto Labate, CPPS