21 Apr A new home for Saint Veronica Giuliani Foundation (E.T.S.)
The morning of Monday, April 13, 2026, will be etched into the religious and cultural history of Città di Castello as the moment when the centuries-old tradition of the Monastery officially embraced a new institutional framework.
At 11:00 AM, in an atmosphere of profound emotion and hope, the headquarters of the Saint Veronica Giuliani Foundation (E.T.S.) was officially inaugurated. This event was more than just a ribbon-cutting ceremony; it was the culmination of a long and meticulous journey of discernment undertaken by the community of Capuchin Poor Clares. This path began formally with the establishment of the Foundation on May 31, 2024, and has now found its physical home—serving as a milestone for the sisters and, above all, as a new beginning for the Diocese, the city, and devotees worldwide.
The creation of this Third Sector Entity (E.T.S.) responds to the need to renew and make accessible the story of Saint Veronica Giuliani, a mystical figure of extraordinary importance whose legacy must be shared as a universal heritage of faith and culture. The Foundation thus stands as a modern guardian of an ancient memory, ensuring that the Saint’s message of love and sacrifice continues to speak to contemporary generations through modern language and a solid organizational structure.
The Foundation headquarters: a bridge between the Monastery and the city
The new headquarters is far more than an office; it is a true space for cultural and spiritual mediation. During the inaugural ceremony, the presence of high-ranking civil and religious authorities testified to the significance of the event.
Alongside the Bishop, Monsignor Luciano Paolucci Bedini, and the Diocesan Vicar, Don Andrea Czortek, were representatives of key institutions, including Senator Walter Verini, Regional Councilor Letizia Michelini, the Mayor of Città di Castello Luca Secondi, and the Councilor for Social Policy Benedetta Calagreti. This collective participation underscores how Saint Veronica Giuliani remains a defining element of the region’s identity.
Sister Chiara Veronica Sebastiano, Abbess of the Monastery and President of the Foundation, offered an illuminating reflection during her speech. She pointed out that while the headquarters is aesthetically and functionally beautiful, its true value lies in the intangible spiritual heritage it is called to share. “The heritage that has reached us,” explained Sister Chiara Veronica, “beautifies not only the church but the entire city.” The Foundation thus becomes a tool for a new way of communicating—an act of trust toward a complex world that still desperately needs divine beauty.
Vice President Antonio Chiappani reinforced this vision, defining the Foundation as the “civil interface” of the cloister. This definition lies at the heart of the project: creating a structure capable of engaging with the outside world, bureaucracy, institutions, and the local territory, allowing the Monastery to remain focused on its mission of prayer. The Foundation supports the “gift of grace” held within the monastic walls, allowing the cultural and historical heritage of the Monastery and the Order of Capuchin Poor Clares to be shared with pilgrims and scholars from every corner of the globe.
The event also saw the participation of prominent local cultural figures, such as Attorney Fabio Nisi (President of Palazzo Vitelli) and the presidents of the city’s leading choirs, demonstrating the Foundation’s intent to foster cross-disciplinary collaborations ranging from art to sacred music.
Toward 2027: presenting the program for the tricentenary
The opening of the headquarters is directly linked to an imminent and exceptionally significant milestone: 2027, the year marking the third centenary of Saint Veronica Giuliani’s death.
Attorney Alessandro Corsi, a member of the Foundation’s Board, illustrated how the organizational machine is already in motion to honor this anniversary. The Centenary of Saint Veronica will not be solely a religious celebration, but an extensive program of initiatives encompassing spiritual, educational, and cultural spheres. The program for the tricentenary includes a dense calendar of events to be shared widely by the Foundation. This journey will highlight the most significant dates of the Saint’s life, featuring high-profile events that will foster a constant dialogue with the Diocese and the Franciscan family.
The goal is to transform 2027 into a year of national and international reflection on mysticism, offering insights even to those who approach Veronica from a secular or purely historical perspective. The Foundation will coordinate exhibitions, conferences, and publications to shed new light on the history of Saint Veronica Giuliani, making the centenary a moment of rebirth for “Veronichian” studies and popular devotion. This operational commitment proves that the newly inaugurated headquarters is the essential “headquarters” for managing an event of this scale, which is expected to draw thousands of pilgrims and visitors to Città di Castello.
Goals and mission of the Foundation (E.T.S.)
The designation as a Third Sector Entity (E.T.S.) is a deliberate choice that defines the Foundation’s mission. It was established to carry forward the centuries-old work of the monastic community using modern tools. Its primary objectives can be summarized in three words: Preservation, Promotion, and Sharing.
- Preservation does not mean locking history away in a vault; it means protecting historical memory and documentary heritage (such as her 22,000-page Diary) using state-of-the-art conservation techniques.
- Promotion involves studying and championing the Saint so that her message of “found love” can inspire new forms of solidarity and culture.
- Sharing represents the commitment to the local community and the faithful worldwide.
The Foundation intends to work in synergy with local and international associations, promoting educational paths that transmit Franciscan values: poverty, hospitality, and care for creation. As emphasized during the inauguration, the Foundation is the interface that prevents this treasure from remaining static, allowing it instead to become a “leaven” for civil society, supporting charitable works and social assistance in line with Saint Veronica’s spirit.
How to participate in the inaugural activities
The ceremony concluded with the symbolic and touching unveiling of a plaque and the cutting of the ribbon at the entrance of the new headquarters. It was a moment of Franciscan sobriety, yet infused with an energy that moved all in attendance. The event ended with a reception hosted by the sisters and supported by the many donors who made this milestone possible.
The Foundation now invites all citizens, pilgrims, and interested parties to visit the new spaces and stay informed about upcoming initiatives through official channels. Participating in these inaugural activities means becoming part of this “new home for memory,” contributing your presence or support to a project that looks toward the future without forgetting its roots.
The door is open: in the name of Saint Veronica Giuliani, the journey toward the tricentenary has officially begun, inviting each of us to rediscover the beauty of a Love that still desires to be found.
