Archbishop Gian Franco Saba New Military Ordinary for Italy
Pope Francis has appointed Msgr. Gian Franco Saba, currently Metropolitan Archbishop of Sassari, as the new Military Ordinary for Italy. The Holy Father has decided to transfer him from his diocese of Sassari to take on a role of great spiritual and pastoral importance, at a time when the Church is reflecting on its role in complex situations that are often far from traditional ecclesial structures. Msgr. Saba, who will turn 57 on September 20, replaces Msgr. Santo Marcianò, who held the role for 12 years.
Education and Career
Mons. Gian Franco Saba was born in Olbia on September 20, 1968. After attending the Diocesan Seminary of Tempio–Ampurias, he continued his theological studies at the Pontifical Umbrian Regional Seminary in Assisi and at the Theological Institute of the Pontifical Lateran University. He subsequently obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Theology at the Pontifical Theological Faculty of Sardinia and a Doctorate in Theology and Patristic Sciences at the Pontifical Patristic Institute Augustinianum in Rome. He also deepened his knowledge with a course on “Communication Systems in International Relations” at the University for Foreigners of Perugia.
Ordained a priest on October 23, 1993, incardinated in the Diocese of Tempio–Ampurias, Mons. Saba has held numerous positions, including that of Diocesan Assistant of the Youth of Catholic Action, Director of the Diocesan Institute of Religious Sciences, Rector of the Pontifical Sardinian Regional Seminary of Cagliari and Parish Priest of San Antonio Abate in San Antonio di Gallura. On June 27, 2017, he was appointed Metropolitan Archbishop of Sassari, receiving episcopal consecration on September 13 of the same year.
Message from Mons. Saba to the Church Military Ordinariate
In his greeting to the Military Ordinariate Church, Msgr. Saba thanked his predecessor Msgr. Marcianò for his long service and addressed a thought of gratitude to the military chaplains, who work in complex contexts and far from the ordinary life of the parishes. He underlined the importance of being a living and tangible presence for those who serve with fidelity and sacrifice.
A special mention was made of the young people, the suffering, and the families of the military, expressing his appreciation for their commitment and sacrifice. Monsignor Saba also referred to his episcopal motto taken from St. Augustine: “Dilectione amplectere Deum” (Embrace God with love), and proposed three key words for the pastoral journey that awaits him: field, tent e I walk.
The Camp, the Tent and the Walk
According to Msgr. Saba, the Military Ordinariate Church for Italy embodies an itinerant faith, which moves together with the men and women it serves. field represents the place of work, of waiting and of discernment, but also of meeting and of spiritual battle. The tent symbolizes the presence of God among his people, a closeness that accompanies without ever imposing itself. Finally, the I walk It represents the continuous pilgrimage towards a homeland that, although not yet visible, is already in the heart of every believer.
Mons. Saba concluded his message by stating that the Church must be a presence of listening and dialogue with everyone, without prejudice and without closures. Following the example of Pope Francis, the archbishop is committed to making the Church a “tent of God”, capable of welcoming, listening and accompanying everyone along the path of life, disarming negative thoughts, words and gestures, to be a presence of peace and hope in a world in need of justice and solidarity.
A New Beginning for the Church Military Ordinariate
The new assignment of Archbishop Saba represents a new phase for the Church Military Ordinariate for Italy, a service that stands out for its closeness to the military and their families. At a time when the world faces increasingly complex challenges, Archbishop Saba is ready to continue the work of his predecessor, carrying forward a mission of love, solidarity and hope, in the wake of Christian tradition and the teaching of Pope Francis.
Published by Condoralex
Born Alessandro Generotti, C.le Maj. Parachutist on leave. Military Parachutist Patent no. 192806. 186th RGT Par. Folgore/5th BTG. Par. El Alamein/XIII Cp. Par. Condor.
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