A new leader between faith and renewal: fra Nicola Violante is the new Franciscan minister in Apulia and Molise

At 41, the theologian from Bari will lead one of Italy’s most active Franciscan provinces for the next six years

An election that marks generational change

Fra Nicola Violante, originally from Bari with a solid academic background in pastoral theology, has been elected the new provincial minister of the Franciscan Friars of Apulia and Molise during the 42nd Provincial Chapter held in San Giovanni Rotondo. He succeeds fra Alessandro Mastromatteo and will guide the Province of Saint Michael the Archangel until 2031. His election reflects the current atmosphere of vocational revival and youthful energy in the community.

A scholar devoted to spiritual formation

Born in 1983, fra Nicola earned his Baccalaureate in Theology in 2010, later obtaining a Licentiate in 2014 and a Doctorate in Pastoral Theology in 2019 at the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome. He currently teaches pastoral theology in Bari and Potenza, with a focus on forming new generations of friars and laypeople.

The new provincial government

Besides fra Nicola, the Chapter elected fra Filippo D’Alessandro as provincial vicar, along with five provincial definitors: fra Carlo Roberto, fra Gianni Di Cosola, fra Marco Valletta, and fra Luigi Riccio. This new team will support the 19 convents located between Campobasso and Monopoli, energizing the pastoral mission and Gospel witness in the region.

A vibrant province between vocations and testimony

With 96 friars and a widespread network of spiritual and social work, the Province of Saint Michael the Archangelstands out for its vocational vitality and commitment to Franciscan life. The Chapter concluded on May 11 with a Eucharistic celebration in the Crypt of the Sanctuary of Saint Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo, sealing a key transition for the community’s future.