The “La Famiglia” of Santa Lucia alla Castellina Fully Incorporated into the Third Order

On May 30 and 31, 2026, a solemn ceremony took place for the of the canonical sanation of the Tertiaries of the “La Famiglia” Movement of Santa Lucia alla Castellina. This group was founded by Fr. Agostino Bartolini and the Servant of God Amata Cerretelli. The official celebration took place over two days: the first day at the Basilica del Carmine in Florence and the second day at the Convent of Santa Lucia alla Castellina.

Saturday’s celebration was presided over by the prior general, Desiderio García Martínez, in the presence of the Order’s secretary general, Giampiero Molinari; the prior provincial of the Italian Province, Giandomenico Meloni, who read the decree of sanation; Sebastian Benchea; Raffaele Duranti; Giulio Pase; the Carmelite Tertiary Don Cristian Meriggi (exorcist of the Diocese of Florence); Agostino Gelli, and Nicola Sozzi, assistant to the Fraternity and the northern zone of the TOC of the Italian Province. Also present was a delegation from the executive committee of the Carmelite Third Order of the Italian Province.

On Sunday, in the church of the Convent of Castellina, the second day was presided over by the prior general, in the presence of the Order’s secretary general, Sebastian Benchea, and Vincenzo Boschetto, provincial assistant of the Third Order, who read the sanation decree.

The two celebrations were joyfully led by the Tertiaries, who experienced a profound moment of communion and fellowship with all those gathered for this important occasion, followed by a delicious reception in the cloister of the Church of the Carmine (on the first day) and on the terrace of the Convent of Santa Lucia alla Castellina (on the second day).

Giving praise to God for this historic event, the Tertiaries of the Movement were “fully incorporated into the Carmelite Third Order, with all the rights and duties that this entails, including participation in the spiritual goods of the Carmelite Family.”