The press conference, broadcast live on the Senate’s WebTV, was a significant moment of cultural and spiritual reflection on this extraordinary Franciscan friar—an eyewitness to the origins of the Franciscan movement and the author of the First Life of St. Francis of Assisi.
The press conference was promoted at the behest of Senator Guido Quintino LIRIS, with the collaboration of Senator Etelwardo SIGISMONDI and the support of the Municipality of Celano, Italy.
The promoters of the film described it as a work that combines historical research with faith. Moreover, it promotes the Italian Region of Abruzzo and gives the general public a chance to learn more about Thomas of Celano, who was a friar, a scholar, and a witness to the Franciscan charism.
The film was directed by Matteo VANNI and produced by Kahuna Films in collaboration with Dado Productions and Tuscany Film Productions. The Municipality of Celano provided institutional and logistical support. The film attempts to shed light on the life and work of Blessed Thomas of Celano, highlighting the relevance of his message, which continues to speak to people today through its spirit of evangelical simplicity and fraternity.
The Postulator General, Friar Raimundo Valdo NOGUEIRA, and the Procurator General, Friar Maurizio DI PAOLO, participated in the press conference on behalf of the Order and at the invitation of the organizers. The friars’ presence testified to the care and attention the Order devotes to preserving and promoting the memory of Blessed Thomas of Celano—whose body rests in the Conventual Franciscan Church of San Francesco in Tagliacozzo, Italy. Moreover, Celano’s official Cause for beatification is attracting growing interest and attention.
The representatives of the Order expressed gratitude for this cultural initiative and for the commitment of civil institutions in honoring this friar whose literary work gave voice to the sanctity of Francis and to the very identity of the Franciscan family.
The press conference included speeches from civil authorities and the film’s producers, who screened a trailer for the film. The Mayor of Celano, Settimio SANTILLI, expressed his city’s gratitude for this film, which unites local history with the universal spirituality of St. Francis and emphasizes how deeply rooted Thomas of Celano is in Abruzzo’s cultural and religious identity.
The film Parola di Tommaso forms part of a broader effort to rediscover Franciscan sources and to promote the figure of Blessed Thomas, whose life and writings bear witness to the depth of his personal encounter with St. Francis and with the Gospel.
As mentioned during the press conference, Thomas’s word is a “living word,” which today, can still touch the hearts of believers and non-believers, offering a radiant vision of humanity and creation.
The General Postulation of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the promoters of this initiative and to all those who, with sensitivity and dedication, help to spread awareness of Blessed Thomas of Celano.
Thanks to the involvement of the Mayor of Tagliacozzo, Dr. Vincenzo GIOVAGNORIO, a screening of the film is being organized for the friars residing in Rome.
The participation of the Postulator General and the Procurator General demonstrates the Order’s desire to guide and support every project that helps spread the light of the Franciscan message in today’s world.
The film will officially premiere on November 21, 2025, at 8:45 p.m., at the Cinema Astra in Avezzano, Italy.
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