Reading of the decree super virtutibus of Ven. M. Costanza Panas, Capuchin Poor Clare

Fabriano, Italy, 28 May 2017 – On the afternoon of the solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, in the cathedral of Fabriano (Ancona province, Italy), which has just reopened after the earthquakes of last summer and fall, the decree to recognize Servant of God Mother Costanza Panas, Capuchin Poor Clare, as venerable was read to the faithful in a solemn celebration.

Most Rev. Stefano Russo, the bishop of Fabriano-Matelica, presided at the event, and was also celebrating the first anniversary of his episcopal appointment. Present also were: Br. Carlo Calloni, General Postulator; Br. Marzio Calletti, Provincial Minister of the Marches; Br. Lorenzo Carloni, Vice Postulator of the cause who read the decree, and a good number of Capuchin friars, priests, and faithful.

In the homily the bishop recalled how Venerable Maria Costanza had been a noted presence in Fabriano, gathering from between the lines of the decree the most important aspect of her personality:

“She welcomed those who knocked on the door of the monastery, especially priests, some of whom became her spiritual sons, and broadened the apostolate of the monastery grille with a voluminous correspondence. She welcomed them without ever hurrying, giving time, listening with interest and giving counsel in a confident way that put everyone at peace. In her letters she taught her correspondents to look for the meaning of certain existential situations, especially moments or aridity or darkness, with the finesse and familiarity of someone who had experienced similar purifications and had learned to walk in pure faith. To those who approached her she taught a way to keep serene and peaceful in the midst of one’s own limitations and weakness and to be understanding with oneself and with others. With great perception she developed the pedagogical dimension of the faith, gathering around herself every sort of person: children, novices, spiritual directees, priests, and her own sisters in religious life.”

Unfortunately, the Bishop continued, today the Capuchin Poor Clares are no longer present in Fabriano and the church where the mortal remains of Venerable Maria Costanza rest is unusable because of the earthquakes, but the hope is to reopen it as soon as possible. In conclusion, the Bishop exhorted those listening to look to Our Lady of the Sea, so dear to the people of Fabriano, who has been a guest in the cathedral, but will soon be placed anew by the tomb of Venerable Maria Costanza, who was so devoted to her.

Hoping to be able to see Venerable Maria Costanza declared a blessed soon, a diocesan inquiry into a presumed miracle attributed to her intercession is already going ahead.

The Bishop asked all present to get to know even better the life and person of Venerable Maria Costanza.