The most important church in Christianity also has its own parish priest—a Franciscan named Fr. Agnello Stoia. He says there has been an increase in the number of pilgrims in the last three years.
FR. AGNELLO STOIA
Pastor, St. Peter's Basilica
When I first arrived, I saw that there were so many people in the Basilica and so much noise. They had tried to carve out places for people to pray more peacefully. And I understand that. But, now we adopted a completely different strategy. Meaning we try to involve everyone in the liturgies. So that whoever enters the Basilica can get involved in the chants, the incense…They instantly feel like they're in a church. Because it is a church. That's it. It is first and foremost a church.
The pastor is also focused on making the sacraments accessible to everyone.
FR. AGNELLO STOIA
Pastor, St. Peter's Basilica
To get baptized or married here at St. Peter's, a person just needs to write to the parish office website ([email protected]) . The sisters respond, they fix a date, request some documents, and then the people come and get married or baptized here. There are so many who ask, and we try to accommodate as many as possible.
It isn't easy taking care of the 30,000 to 40,000 people who visit the Basilica every day. But steps have been taken to make it easier for those who come to pray.
FR. AGNELLO STOIA
Pastor, St. Peter's Basilica
The entrance into St. Peter's has changed. There is a white tent in the square marking a specific entrance for people coming to pray. So, those who come for confession, to pray in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel or to celebrate the Mass and the liturgical life of the Basilica, do not have to stand in such a long line.
And the result of this new entrance is evident.
FR. AGNELLO STOIA
Pastor, St. Peter's Basilica
How can you tell with these large number of people if it is working? By looking at attendance in the Blessed Sacrament chapel or at Masses or in the confessionals. We ask the confessors. They tell us there has been a spike in the number of people.
This initiative of St. Peter's Basilica can be a model for the thousands of churches around the world.
AO
TR: KG
