Religious service and vocation highlighted in Italy

The Italian Catholic community highlights two distinct paths of religious service through the stories of Andrea Bassi and Brunetto Brunelli.

Andrea Bassi, a 31-year-old physics graduate and former high school teacher, has entered the seminary to pursue the priesthood. After years of serving his local parish in Binago, Bassi underwent a period of vocational discernment through the Samuele Group, which led him to transition from his role as an educator to formal religious training.

In Venice, the community of Lido is mourning the death of permanent deacon Brunetto Brunelli, who passed away at the age of 89. Ordained in 1990 by Patriarch Marco Cè, Brunelli served the Church of Venice for 35 years. His funeral is scheduled to be presided over by Patriarch Francesco at the Sant’Antonio parish.