On Sunday July 14, 2024, Resurrection Day, our brother Fr. Filippo concluded his earthly life to definitively enter the glory of the Father for which he was always predestined.
He was born in Montalbano Elicona (ME) on June 12, 1945, son of the late Antonio and the late Carmela Muni, and was baptized on October 4 of the same year. He entered Calvaruso (ME) as a child as an aspirant on October 20, 1956, and returned there after a few years to complete his novitiate year and high school studies. He made his temporary profession on October 4, 1962 and his solemn profession on June 27, 1969. After completing his high school studies in Calvaruso, he began his theological studies in Palma de Mallorca and Messina. On June 28, 1969 he was ordained subdeacon in the cathedral of Monreale (PA), on the following October 11, deacon in our Parish of S. Maria Addolorata in Messina and, finally, he was ordained priest in our Church of the Sacred Heart of S. Lucia del Mela (ME) on December 20, 1969 by Mons. Francesco Tortora. He graduated in literature and philosophy at the state university of Messina in 1975. From 1970 to 1974 he dedicated himself to the education of young people in our College of Calvaruso and then continued his apostolate until today in the College of S. Maria in Syracuse as a teacher, principal and director. He devoted himself to the education of young people until the end, especially the most unfortunate and difficult, knowing that in each one it was necessary to make those talents fruitful that would make them good Christians and honest citizens. Thousands of students and teachers benefited from the intellectual and spiritual gifts of Father Filippo, especially when, supported by his brothers, the Collegio S. Maria had under its wing the Middle School, the Scientific High School, the Technical Commercial and Surveying Institutes, the S. Francesco Social Service Institute, the “S. Francesco” Study Center, the Univeristà delle terze età, and finally – still active today – the Residential Community for Minors. He was called to hold important offices in the Order: Provincial Definitor, Provincial Minister (from 2015 to 2019), General Visitor.
Even when his strength began to abandon him and suffering repeatedly put him to the test, he never lost his fighting spirit, reaching out also through social media to thousands of former students and teachers. He had a word of comfort for everyone, illuminated by the hope that does not disappoint and by the personal prayer made before the Sacrament every Thursday.
The funeral was celebrated in Syracuse in our parish church of S. Corrado Confalonieri on July 15, 2024 by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Syracuse Mons. Francesco Lomanto in the presence of the Provincial Minister P. Calogero Favata, numerous brothers of the secular and regular clergy and a thousand faithful. At the end, some teachers and former students took the floor thanking P. Filippo for the professionalism and commitment shown both in the education and training of young people, especially the most difficult ones considered the waste of society, and for the human, spiritual and didactic formation provided for the teaching staff whose preparation has also been recognized in other state schools in the city.
On July 16, another funeral Mass was celebrated in his native town of Montalbano Elicona (ME) in the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Provvidenza, at the end of which his mortal remains were buried in the local cemetery awaiting the coming of the Lord.