Our identity
It was the year 1244 when “Men of deep faith established it, by joining together, to honour God with acts of mercy towards their neighbour”.
In medieval Florence, this endeavour began through the work of humble individuals, perhaps with limited education, who understood that their faith could not be based on theory alone, but required a practical approach. They therefore decided to put charity at the centre of their Christian life, devoting their hearts to the poor, the needy, to those whose broken lives no longer mattered to anyone.
Christian charity, however, does not stem from ideals or philanthropic philosophies, but from God, who loves us first, forgives us first, welcomes us and waits for us. Christian charity is a gift from God.
In fact, the first Confreres would stop at the chapel to place themselves in God’s hands, before beginning any service. When they returned, after removing their habit, they would go back to the Church to thank God for granting them the opportunity to perform that act of mercy. This awareness is reflected in the traditional greeting of the Confreres: “may God reward you”.
That story is not over. Time goes by: traditions, culture, sensibilities, languages change; however the spirit that gave rise to the Misericordie still lives on. These pages aim to offer some insights for reflection and spiritual growth to all Confreres who wish to deepen their commitment to the Misericordia, as a testimony of life and faith.
Bishop Franco Agostinelli, National Corrector, was born in Arezzo on 1 January 1944. He attended the Seminary in his hometown and was ordained a priest on 9 June 1968. In 1970, he obtained his License in Theology in Rome at the Pontifical Lateran University, and then he graduated in Moral Theology at the Pontifical Alfonsian Academy. After 14 years at the head of one of the largest parishes in Arezzo, he was called to the diocesan curia as Episcopal Vicar for Pastoral Affairs in 1986. In 1997 he became Vicar General of Arezzo Diocese. On 17 November 2001, he was appointed Bishop of Grosseto and received episcopal ordination on 6 January 2002 in St. Peter’s Basilica directly from Pope John Paul II. From 29 September 2012 until 2019, he served as Bishop of Prato. Since then, he has been fully committed to his role as National corrector of the Movement of Misericordie, as its spiritual guide.