Until 1928, the cathedral served as the sole parish for the entire city; the parishes of San Giacomo and San Cristoforo, San Francesco and San Ceccardo were then erected outside the urban area. In today’s profoundly changed social and cultural conditions, the entire diocese of Massa Carrara – Pontremoli is facing a general reorganisation of the territory, reviewing the presence of priests and involving the laity more and more actively.
Since 1 October 2023, the town has therefore been entrusted to a single parish priest moderator in the person of Father Piero Albanesi (centre in the photo), former episcopal vicar for pastoral entities, with two co-parish priests in the persons of Father Cesare Cappè and Father Luigi Sparapani m.d.m., and two vice-parish priests: Father Giovanni Albanese m.d.m. and Father Stefano Pappalardo, who took up his duties in June 2024.
On the one hand it is a return to the roots, on the other hand it is a novelty that sees the laity as protagonists in the decision-making processes, particularly in the Pastoral Council and the unitary council for economic affairs.
Certainly the pride of the pastoral entity is the diocesan youth centre in the city centre on 7 July Street. A meeting place for all children and young people, it is open several times a week for various uses and in particular on Saturday afternoons with animators, trained according to ANSPI principles.
A commission has already been set up and is working to centralise the service to poverty, in particular to forms of loneliness and to enhance people and their charisms.
An association of people is being set up to enhance the artistic and cultural heritage.
We are pleased to share with you the inauguration speech of the new parish priest of Carrara Cathedral, Don Piero Albanesi, on 1 October 2023.
With great emotion, Don Piero recalls his spiritual journey, which began eighteen years ago precisely in Carrara Cathedral, and looks to the future with hope, inviting everyone to join forces for the good of the community. His speech is an appeal for collaboration and mutual trust, to build together a united and prosperous community.