Greetings from the community of Castellammare di Stabia to the parish priest Don Antonino, transferred to the parish of Piano di Sorrento
Don Antonino D’Esposito will soon reach the parish of San Michele Arcangelo in Piano di Sorrento where he will take on the role of parish administrator replacing Don Pasquale Irolla who has been transferred to Capri.
Don Antonino was parish priest for nine years at the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and San Catello in Castellammare di Stabia who now greets him with a beautiful message: «Our beloved parish priest Don Antonino, unfortunately, will leave us in September as the 9 years foreseen by the New Code of Canon Law are over in August and also because of HE Mons. Francesco Alfano wanted him in the Parish of San Michele near Piano di Sorrento.
We are all saddened and sorry for the news but we must entrust Don Antonino to the care of Jesus and Mary who guide him to Good and Happiness: this is what we wish him.
We can only say thank you for the love he lavished on each of us, thank you because he never left us without a gesture, a caress, or a catechesis, thank you for the dried tears and for the many laughs shared, thank you for the works created in our church, Thank you for showing us what Charity is, Thank you for strongly supporting the Oratory of San Giovanni Bosco.
In short, our eyes are swollen with tears but in our hearts, there is so much gratitude for the Great Gift we have had in these 9 years.
God bless you don Antonino! ».
A New Chapter: The Legacy of a Parish Priest and the Journey Ahead
The transfer of a beloved parish priest is more than a simple administrative change; it is a profound moment of transition for both the community he leaves behind and the one he is about to embrace. For the faithful of Castellammare di Stabia, the departure of Don Antonino marks the end of a significant spiritual era, while for the community of Piano di Sorrento, it heralds a beginning filled with hopeful anticipation. Understanding the depth of this change requires a look at the unique role a parish priest plays, which often transcends the boundaries of formal ministry to touch the very fabric of daily life.
The Unseen Ministry: Beyond the Sunday Homily
While the public masses, baptisms, and weddings are the most visible parts of a priest’s duties, the true impact of a pastor like Don Antonino is often forged in the quiet, unseen moments. This includes the countless hours spent in pastoral visitation to the sick and homebound, offering not just communion but the invaluable gift of presence to those who feel isolated. Another critical, yet less visible, aspect is administrative stewardship—overseeing the maintenance of centuries-old church buildings, managing parish finances with transparency, and ensuring the vibrant continuity of lay groups and ministries. Don Antonino’s noted support for the Oratory of San Giovanni Bosco highlights a key pillar of this unseen work: fostering safe, formative environments for youth, which plants seeds for the future of the Church itself.
Common Mistakes Communities Make During Transitions
In times of pastoral change, even with the best intentions, communities can sometimes stumble. Recognizing these pitfalls can help both Castellammare and Piano di Sorrento navigate this period with greater grace and wisdom.
- Living in Comparison: A common error for the incoming community is to constantly compare the new priest to his predecessor. Every pastor has a unique charism, style, and strengths. The parish in Piano di Sorrento will benefit most by welcoming Don Antonino for who he is, not measuring him against Don Pasquale Irolla.
- Resisting New Initiatives: The parish left behind may be tempted to halt all new projects, awaiting the permanent appointment of a new pastor. This can lead to a spiritual and communal stagnation. Instead, lay leaders should feel empowered to maintain momentum in ongoing ministries, guided by interim directives.
- Overburdening the New Arrival: An eager community might overwhelm a new parish administrator with a barrage of introductions, requests, and historical narratives all at once. A phased, patient approach allows for natural relationship-building and prevents early burnout.
- Neglecting Formal Farewell and Welcome: While the emotional farewell is crucial, a practical, documented transition of parish knowledge—from the specifics of ongoing building projects to the needs of key parishioners—is often overlooked, yet is vital for seamless continuity.
Expert Advice for Welcoming a New Parish Priest
Church leadership experts and seasoned diocesan officials often provide guidance for these transitional periods. For the community of San Michele Arcangelo, a few strategic approaches can foster a fruitful start with Don Antonino.
First, practice intentional hospitality. This goes beyond a welcome reception. Consider assigning a small, diverse team of parishioners to help with practical settling-in tasks, from understanding local services to navigating the unique rhythms and traditions of the Sorrento Peninsula. Second, share stories, not just schedules. While providing the mass and confession timetable is necessary, sharing the history of the parish, its beloved feast days, and the stories behind its sacred art will help Don Antonino connect more deeply with his new spiritual home. Finally, offer the gift of patient listening. Allow him time to observe, pray, and discern before launching into major new initiatives. His initial role as parish administrator is a time for mutual listening—he to the community, and the community to his emerging pastoral vision.
Interesting Facts: The Spiritual Geography of the Diocese
The transfer within the Diocese of Sorrento-Castellammare di Stabia connects two points of profound historical and spiritual significance. Castellammare di Stabia, home to the Cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary and San Catello, is a city with ancient Roman roots, literally built over the ruins of Stabiae, which was destroyed alongside Pompeii. Its patron, San Catello, was a bishop who is said to have worked closely with Saint Antonino of Sorrento, a fascinating namesake for Don Antonino as he moves. Piano di Sorrento, part of the world-renowned Sorrento Peninsula, carries its own deep spiritual heritage, often overshadowed by its scenic beauty. The Parish of San Michele Arcangelo places itself under the patronage of the Archangel Michael, a powerful defender and heavenly guide, a fitting patronage for a community embarking on a new chapter. This movement of clergy along the stunning Gulf of Naples is a modern continuation of an ancient tradition, where the Church has always sought to shepherd its flocks across landscapes steeped in both natural beauty and layered faith history.
As Don Antonino prepares to ascend the hills towards Piano di Sorrento, he carries not just his personal belongings, but the prayers and gratitude of an entire community. His ministry, refined over nine years in Castellammare, now becomes a gift to a new parish. This cyclical rhythm of farewell and welcome, while bittersweet, is the living heartbeat of the Church—a testament to a faith that is always dynamically moving, growing, and being shared anew along the sun-drenched coast of Campania.
📅 Last updated: 25.12.2025
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
💬 Who is Don Antonino D’Esposito?
Don Antonino D’Esposito is a Catholic priest who served for nine years as the parish priest of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and San Catello in Castellammare di Stabia. He has now been transferred to serve as the parish administrator of San Michele Arcangelo in Piano di Sorrento.
💬 Why was the parish priest of Castellammare di Stabia transferred?
The transfer occurred for two main reasons: his nine-year term at the parish, as foreseen by the New Code of Canon Law, had concluded, and the Bishop, Monsignor Francesco Alfano, assigned him to the new parish in Piano di Sorrento. He is replacing Don Pasquale Irolla, who was transferred to Capri.
💬 What did the community of Castellammare di Stabia say about Don Antonino?
The community expressed deep gratitude and sadness, thanking Don Antonino for his love, pastoral care, and support for local initiatives like the Oratory of San Giovanni Bosco. They shared a heartfelt farewell message wishing him God’s blessing in his new role.
