Thunderous applause, yesterday afternoon, Sunday 30 June, in the Basilica of San Clemente in Velletri, which was the scene of a significant event for the local community: the presbyteral ordination of Don Simone De Marchis. The ceremony, held in the headquarters of the Suburbicaria Velletri-Segni Diocese, saw the participation of numerous faithful, friends and relatives of the new priest.
Simone De Marchis, born in Velletri on November 8, 1992 to Dante De Marchis and Daniela Conti, is the firstborn of four children: Simone, Alberto, Federico and Valentina. He was baptized on January 17, 1993 in the Parish of Santa Lucia VM in Velletri and from an early age he received a solid Catholic education at the parish of San Giovanni Battista and later in the Cathedral Basilica of San Clemente I Papa, where he received the Sacrament of Confirmation on April 19, 2009 from SER Mons. Vincenzo Apicella.
After attending school in Velletri, Don Simone graduated from the hotel management institute “Ipssar Ugo Tognazzi”. Despite some work experiences after graduation, he continued to be active in his parish and, through careful vocational discernment, decided to undertake the path of priesthood.
On October 25, 2017, Simone began his training and studies at the Pontifical Leonine College of Anagni, the regional seminary for the Suburbicarian Dioceses and southern Lazio. The following year, he began his theological studies at the Leonine Theological Institute of Anagni, culminating with the achievement of the Baccalaureate on September 23, 2023.
During his time in the seminary, he received Admission to the Holy Order of Diaconate and Presbyterate on May 16, 2021 in the Cathedral Basilica of San Clemente I PM in Velletri from His Excellency Mons. Vincenzo Apicella. Subsequently, he received the Ministry of Lector on March 9, 2022 in the Main Chapel of the Seminary of Anagni and the Ministry of Acolyte on December 14 of the same year, again in the Main Chapel of the Seminary of Anagni, from His Excellency Mons. Luigi Vari, Archbishop of Gaeta.
Velletri, the priestly ordination of Simone De Marchis
During his six years of formation, Simone De Marchis carried out his ministry from 1 September 2018 to 29 September 2022 in the parishes of Santa Maria Assunta and Santa Maria degli Angeli in Segni. Since October 29, 2022, he has been ministering in the parishes of the city of Artena. Last January 7, he was ordained deacon in the Co-Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta in Segni by H.E. Mons. Stefano Russo.
The ordination ceremony of Don Simone De Marchis was attended by Mayor Ascanio Cascella and Deputy Mayor Chiara Ercoli. The Mayor declared: “The whole community was able to celebrate the vocation of Don Simone, who entrusted his service to the Madonna with emotion. I affectionately extend my best wishes to him for an enlightened ministry.”
In the days preceding the ordination, the community participated in a prayer vigil in preparation for the priestly ordination of Don Simone, held at the parish of San Giovanni Battista, where until a few days ago the Our Lady of Fatima.
Don Simone will preside over the Eucharist for the first time on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at 6:30 p.m., at the Parish of San Giovanni Battista in Velletri. The following day, Sunday, July 7, 2024, at 6:30 p.m., he will celebrate his first Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of San Clemente I PM in Velletri.
Yesterday’s ceremony represents not only a personal achievement for Don Simone, but also a moment of profound joy and reflection for the entire Velletri community.
Velletri, the priestly ordination of Simone De Marchis
