annual appeal 

2025 ANNUAL APPEAL

This year is a deeply personal milestone for me. By the grace of God, I am humbled to celebrate my 50th anniversary as a priest. For half a century, I have had the privilege of serving the People of God and walking with them in times of sorrow, rejoicing with them in moments of celebration, and always striving to be a faithful witness to Christ’s love.

 For the past three decades, here at the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, I have seen faith deepen and community flourish. Together, we have shared pilgrimages of healing for those who grieve, days of reflection during Advent and Lent, and festivals that honor our Italian heritage. These moments have filled my priesthood with joy and meaning, and I am profoundly grateful for all who have made the Shrine their spiritual home.

 As I mark this milestone in my own vocation, I am also looking to the future of the Shrine with hope. We are in the midst of an important renovation project that will revitalize our Shrine, ensuring it remains a place of beauty, welcome, and spiritual nourishment. This effort is not just about bricks and mortar — it is about creating sacred spaces where faith and community can continue to grow for generations to come.

 I now turn to you, dear friend, with a humble request: please consider making a gift to our Annual Appeal. Your generosity will honor my 50 years of priesthood not by celebrating me, but by strengthening the Shrine and its mission — a mission I have been blessed to share with you for so long.

 From the depths of my heart, I thank you for your faithful support through the years. As I celebrate this golden jubilee of my priesthood, I give thanks to God for you and pray that together we may continue to make the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii a true beacon of inspiration, solace, and unity.

With gratitude and blessings,

Rev. Richard N. Fragomeni, PhD Rector