The cause for the beatification of the Servant of God Mario Gentili is moving forward.

On May 18th, 2025, the closing session of the diocesan investigation concerning the cause for the beatification and canonization of the Servant of God Mario Gentili, a professed religious of the Order of Saint Augustine, was held at the Basilica of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino in Italy.

The closing session was presided over by Monsignor Nazzareno Marconi, Bishop of Macerata, in the presence of members of the ecclesiastical tribunal and the Postulator General of the Order, Fr. Josef Sciberras, OSA. Also present were Fr. Gabriele Pedicino, OSA, Prior Provincial of the Augustinians of Italy; Fr. Javier Pérez Barba, OSA, Assistant  General for Southern Europe; Fr. Massimo Giustozzo, OSA, Prior of the Augustinian community of Tolentino; as well as friars of the community, diocesan clergy, Augustinian fraternities and brotherhoods, and numerous friends and devotees of the Servant of God who filled the basilica on this special occasion.

"His Testimony Is a Gift to the Church"

“I am filled  with profound gratitude today, having once again witnessed the fruits of holiness that the Holy Spirit continues to inspire in our Order, here in Italy as well,” said Fr. Javier Pérez Barba. “The life of Brother Mario—simple, dedicated, and deeply evangelical—continues to speak to us with eloquence and relevance. His testimony is a gift to the Church and a call for all of us to live our consecration to God with sincerity and joy.”

During the ceremony, the boxes containing the acts of the investigation were properly sealed and entrusted to Fr. Josef Sciberras, who will deliver them to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, thus initiating the Roman phase of the process. “The ceremony,” said the  Assistant General for Southern Europe, “was meticulously prepared by our Postulator and also served as a catechetical opportunity for the faithful, as beyond the various legal aspects, it carried significant pedagogical meaning.”

Advancing Day by Day in the Hope of Holiness

At the conclusion of the session, Monsignor Marconi presided over the Eucharistic Celebration, during which, in his homily, he emphasized the radiant testimony of the Servant of God’s life, particularly his joyful and committed service at the Basilica of Saint Nicholas. He highlighted how he allowed himself to be shaped by divine grace, advancing day by day on the path of holiness.

In turn, Fr. Javier Pérez Barba expressed his gratitude “to the brothers dedicated to promoting the knowledge and devotion of Brother Mario and all Augustinians who, in different parts of the world, lived and died with a reputation for holiness.”

With the conclusion of the diocesan investigation, the Cause now proceeds to the Dicastery, where the collected acts and testimonies will be studied and evaluated according to the current canonical regulations.