“Pilgrims to the Source”: 500 Years of Theatine Faith and Dedication
From September 9 to 14, 2024, the cities of Rome, Venice, and Naples were filled with prayer, joy, and fraternity during the week of celebrations for the 500th anniversary of the founding of the Order of Clerics Regular Theatines. A historic occasion that brought together nearly all Teatine Fathers worldwide and lay pilgrims from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, the United States, Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Malta.
The short documentary “Pilgrims to the Source”, with texts, interviews, and voice-over by P. Carmine Mazza, C.R., and filming and production by Mr. Rosario Cuomo, captures the most significant moments of this unique celebration. Among solemn Masses at Sant’Andrea della Valle, San Nicolò da Tolentino, San Paolo Maggiore, Santa Maria Maggiore, and St. Peter’s, processions, meetings, conferences, testimonies, pilgrimages, theatrical performances, and music, a spirit of gratitude, renewal, and hope was palpable.
Highlights include the sermon by the Vicar General of the Theatine Order, Rev. P. Marcelo Zubía, C.R., in Venice, and the words of Pope Francis at St. Peter’s, Vatican, on September 14, the exact date of the Order’s 500th anniversary. Testimonies of Teatine Fathers and laypeople show the living strength of a tradition that continues to inspire people worldwide.
Amid statues of St. Cajetan, gathered communities, and faces filled with faith, one feels the essence of the Order’s central message: “Seek First the Kingdom of God”. The documentary concludes with a heartfelt thank-you and message from the Superior General, Rev. P. Salvador Rodea González, C.R., reminding us that this story of devotion and prayer continues today, more alive than ever.
We invite you to watch “Pilgrims to the Source”, immerse yourself in this shared experience of faith, and feel the gratitude flowing from five centuries of Theatine history, prayer, and service.