This year, the Parish of Guardian Angels celebrates 100 years of God’s providence and blessings. The church has been overseen by the Caracciolini (Adorno Fathers) and, since its foundation, has been staffed by them.
The Guardian Angels Parish church, built between 1924 and 1925 based on Gustavo Giovannoni’s design and funded partly by Pope Pius XI, serves as a parish seat established on October 2, 1925. Since 1965, it has held the cardinal title of the Holy Guardian Angels in Città Giardino and was visited by Pope John Paul II on April 6, 1986.
The church’s exterior features classical monumental architecture with a dome, a divided façade with the inscription “Angelis custodiabus” (To the guardian angels), a rose window, and a portal adorned with columns, canopy, and architrave. The richly decorated interior includes notable frescoes by Aronne Del Vecchio from 1962, depicting adoring angels, Archangels Michael and Raphael, the Holy Trinity, and the Paradise of angels. (cf. http://www.santiangelicustodi.org/parrocchia/?storia)
Many Caracciolini pastors have worked hard and sacrificed many things for the parish. The current pastor, Fr. Mario Aceto, CRM, welcomed the chapter fathers to celebrate the anniversary Mass on Sunday, June 30, 2024. The Mass was presided over by Fr. Ted Kalaw, CRM, the superior general of the Clerics Regular Minor. It was also an anticipated celebration to begin the 64th General Chapter.
As we celebrate this milestone, we think about the many blessings and strong faith that have shaped this parish community. The last 100 years show the lasting dedication, sacrifice, and devotion of its parishioners led by many holy and dedicated priests.
May God continue to bless the Parish of the Guardian Angels, and may the spirituality and charism of the Clerics Regular Minor always live in the hearts of the community for the greater glory of the Risen Christ. We look forward to many more years of faith, service, and community, always guided by the protective presence of our Guardian Angels.
