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Spring 2011 VOL. 39 No. 1

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Fr. Steven M. Grancini, C.S.R.P. Fr. Augusto M. Pucci, C.S.R.P.
A Barnabite Priest A Barnabite Priest
June 13, 1932 – January 2, 2011 January 21, 1916 – December 11, 2010

frgrancini.blogspot.com frpucci.blogspot.com
Father Steven Mary Grancini, C.R.S.P. Father Augusto Mary Pucci, C.R.S.P.
Born: June 13, 1932 Born: January 21, 1916
First Religious Profession: September 29, 1950 First Religious Profession: September 17, 1932
Ordained: December 8, 1957 Ordained: April 8, 1939
Died: January 2, 2011 Died: December 11, 2010

Biography
R everend Father Steven M. Grancini, C.R.S.P., Pastor of
Our Lady of the Rosary Parish,
passed away Sunday, January 2,
2011, after a lengthy illness.
Fr. Grancini was born in
Milan, Italy, in 1932, to Pietro
and Francesca Grancini. He knew
since childhood that he wanted to
be a priest, said longtime friend
and fellow priest, Father Louis
Solcia. The two attended the same
seminary in Italy and were among
the group sent to Buffalo, N.Y., in
the 1950s. “They sent us by ship to
teach at a high school. Father Steve
taught religion and became vice
principal,” Father Solcia said. He
was ordained in the Clerics Regu-
lar of St. Paul in 1957. Fr. Steven
attended the University of Buf-
falo, NY, and received his Masters
in Education from Niagara Uni-
versity. He served as Provincial
Superior of the Barnabites’ North
American Province; was elected
Superior General of the Barnabite Order, with residence in ceived the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He made his Solemn
Rome in 1976; and later assigned Pastor to Our Lady of the Profession of Vows in 1936 in the Barnabite International
R everend Father Augusto Mary Pucci, C.R.S.P., son of the
Lord God,
you chose our brothers
Fr. Augusto M. Pucci, CRSP and
Fr. Steven M. Grancini, CRSP
to serve your people
as priests and religious,
to share the joys and
burdens of their lives.
Grant them a place at your
heavenly table and may
they rejoice forever
in the company of St. Anthony
Zaccaria and all your saints.
We ask this through Christ
our Lord. Amen.
marisaisabelphotos.com
Biography
late General Luigi and Matilde Tri-
ulzi Pucci, was born in Turin, Italy
on Jan. 21, 1916. Fr. Augusto came
from a family of three boys and a
girl.
The family moved to
Genoa, the birthplace of Christo-
pher Columbus, and young Augus-
to was enrolled in the Vitorino de
Feltre Institute, under the direction
of the Barnabite Fathers.
At the tender age of elev-
en years, he entered the Barnabite
Minor Seminary in Genoa. One of
his teachers was Idelfonso Clerici,
Superior General of the Barnabite
Order, from 1937-1952. It was un-
der Father Clerici’s guidance that
he entered the Barnabite Novitiate
in Monza, near Milan, in 1931. He
made his First Profession of Vows
on September 17, 1932.
He then went to the Colle-
gio Alla Querce, Florence, and re-
 Fr. Steven M. Grancini, C.S.R.P.
A Barnabite Priest
June 13, 1932 – January 2, 2011
Rosary Parish in 1985.
Fr. Steven worked tirelessly for the people of the
parish, both as spiritual leader and as a steward managing
its growth. As the parish kept pace with the development of
the neighboring community of Little Italy, he spearheaded
the purchase of a building on a lot adjacent to the OLR com-
plex. The two-story brick building, which originally housed
a law firm, was renovated to include classrooms for religious
study and the pastoral offices. As a result of Fr. Grancini’s
dedicated stewardship, the final payment was made on the
building this past November.
Over twenty-five years of pastoral leadership at
OLR, Fr. Grancini never lost sight of the origins of the little
church that has been called the “Jewel of Little Italy.” He
was dedicated to the preservation of this church that was be-
gun in 1921 to serve the Italian and Portuguese community.
Today, the 90 year old church, with its original artwork, is a
beautiful testament to that faith and is deeply entwined in the
network of the lives of the families, who built, support and
continue to worship there.
In addition to his pastoral work at Our Lady of the
Rosary Church, Fr. Steven was the spiritual leader of the San
Diego Branch of Marriage Encounter. Through this ministry,
Fr. Steven guided many couples to recognize the sacramen-
tal nature of their marriage vows and to respect each other
as they work to attain holiness in their vocation of married
life.
Under Fr. Steven’s direction, a scholarship program
was established at OLR for students in the parish. Over a
period of 22 years scholarships were awarded on the basis of
need to students attending local parochial schools. College
scholarships were awarded to students attending both private
and public colleges and/or universities. These scholarships
were funded through the efforts of The Amici of Our Lady
photo: Harvey Rogoff
2
Fr. Augusto M. Pucci, C.S.R.P.
A Barnabite Priest
January 21, 1916 – December 11, 2010
Seminary in Rome and was ordained to the Holy Priesthood
by Cardinal Traglia in the Saint John Lateran Major Basilica.
Following his priestly ordination, Fr. Pucci was assigned
to Genoa at both his alma mater and the Minor Seminary.
He obtained graduate degrees in both chemistry and natural
sciences.
In 1955, Fr. Pucci, like Columbus, discovered Amer-
ica. He was assigned to the new Barnabite Community in
Buffalo, New York, USA. He was appointed Pro-Provincial
the following year. He served as Chaplain at Columbus Hos-
pital, Children’s Hospital, and Sisters of Mercy Hospital, in
Buffalo.
Father Pucci launched a fund-raising campaign for
the Barnabite Fathers’ Seminary on the grounds of Basilica
of Our Lady of Fatima in 1957. Bishop Burke, late Bishop of
Buffalo, dedicated the new Barnabite Seminary on September
17, 1961, the anniversary of Fr. Pucci’s priestly ordination.
Fr. Pucci’s Reflection on
his seventy years of priesthood:
Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, proclaimed the
year 2009 as a year dedicated to the priests. He pointed to
St. John Vianney as an example to imitate. He is a great ex-
ample of a confessor and a dedicated priest. However it is
not easy to follow in his style of life.
Our founder, St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria, could be
a better example for a priest to follow; unfortunately he is
not well known. The genius of his teaching was accepted a
few centuries later at Vatican II! His signature was Anthony
Maria, Priest or Priest of St. Paul: Omnia omnibusfactus sum
“I have become all things to all.” (1 Cor 9: 22)
I can only give you my experience as a Priest. I can
divide my life in two phases. The phase of youth and the
phase of wisdom. In the first phase, the energy of youth made
me do things I thought were important. I prayed the Lord to
help me to do what I thought important. I sensed that I was
building something, however, I forgot that unless it is the
Lord who builds, our efforts are useless. (Cf. Ps 127, 1-2)
In the second phase, I was sent to be a Pastor, something
I never thought I was called to be. But that was the Lord’s
will and was the best. I was called (as a priest) to serve God
not to be served by God”. I was sent to St. James Parish
in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, where I had to preach about
love within the community that contained thirty different
languages. This community was the greatest satisfaction in
my life. The love I received was returned with the weekly
visit to the sick in the hospital. When I die, and go back to
 Fr. Steven M. Grancini, C.S.R.P. Fr. Augusto M. Pucci, C.S.R.P.
A Barnabite Priest A Barnabite Priest
June 13, 1932 – January 2, 2011 January 21, 1916 – December 11, 2010

of the Rosary, and more recently through the Ferragosto
event.
Fr. Grancini was recognized as a pillar and uniting
force in the community of Little Italy. He did not see the
church as a separate part of the whole, but believed that all
segments of the community – commercial, residential, edu-
cational, as well as spiritual – needed to work together to
create a neighborhood that is prosperous and safe, as well
as exciting and fun so as to encompass the best quality of
life for all. His years of service on the Board of the Little
Italy Association are a testament to that philosophy and that
effort.
Fr. Steven Grancini leaves an indelible mark both
as a spiritual leader of the parish and as a tireless supporter
of the community he loved. None of this would have been
possible without his deep love for God, the Eucharist, the
Blessed Mother, and the priesthood.
the Father’s house, please put in my casket the black paper
book wherein are written the names of the many faithful that
I have visited. Then I will remind the Lord of his words:
“Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your
inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation
of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something
to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I
was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and
you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in
prison and you came to visit me.” (Mt 25: 34-36)
That will be my salvation! The priest is called to serve in
love.

A Homily given by Fr. Louis Solcia, C.R.S.P.,

during the Funeral Mass for Fr. Steven M.
Grancini, C.R.S.P., at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in
San Diego, on January 6, 2011.

I was appointed to give a homily which would be

amusing, primarily because I spent a lot of time - almost 50
years - with Fr. Steve, on and off, since the sixth grade. As
soon as we got together we planned great things. It seemed
like a fire was placed in our bones, because we both desired
to do big things. We always succeeded. We thought that we
would never do anything wrong. After all, we lived among
saints.
The life and death of each one of us has an inter-
est for others. “No one lives for oneself, and no one dies
for oneself. For if we live, we must live for the Lord, and if
we die, we must die for and with the Lord.” (Rom 14: 7-8)
This was the legacy that Fr. Steve left behind. He left to us
a legacy which means that he was, first of all, a priest. And
as a priest, he was used a lot by God, by the superiors, and
by the people. “But death is not the end!” (Is 26:19) Priests
don’t die.
I was very impressed in talking to people. They re-
called a lot of beautiful things about their priests; how they
were sweet and kind and gentle and lovable; how they would
help in any possible way; how they were always ready. And
so, death is only a passage into the risen life of Jesus. So a
priest doesn’t die. He just fades away, as they say, and lives
in the good deeds that he has done.
When we entered the seminary, Fr. Steve’s brother photo: Fr. Joseph Tabigue, CRSP

3
 Fr. Steven M. Grancini, C.S.R.P.
A Barnabite Priest
June 13, 1932 – January 2, 2011
was already a Barnabite priest. He was a beautiful man, Fr.
Vittorio. He enthused us both. Why? Because he wanted to
go to the missions, and we, too, wanted to go to the missions.
While in Rome, we were taking classes in tropical diseases
and trying to study one impossible language, which was Por-
tuguese. We were ready to go to Afghanistan, Congo, Brazil,
Argentina and Chile. We were always involved in the mis-
sionary ideas.
But the missions didn’t happen for us. However, we
were always together. We always said that we were truly
blessed because we had saints in our lives. The first saint we
encountered was Blessed Cardinal Schuster of Milan. We
would muse about the fact that we had been confirmed by
him. In the old days, at the end of Confirmation, the bishops
used to give a good smack on the cheek and Cardinal Schus-
ter gave a good one! He told us, “be a soldier,” and we kept
that in mind, that we were coming to the Church’s rescue.
We were coming primarily to work for the Church.
Another saint in our lives was Fr. Castelnuovo,
whom we met in novitiate. He was a real saint. He said, “The
way to be made a saint: slowly, so to be venerable.” With
these saints to guide us, we always said we could do nothing
wrong. Except when we were in the seminary. We were try-
ing too hard to do big things. One time, we did a skit which
required an older lady. We couldn’t find enough clothes so
the nuns helped us out and we were able to produce a beauti-
ful skit; a song. We built a big car made of wood and we did
very well, or so we thought, until the following day at medi-
tation. The father-master, who was yet another saint, talked
to us with fire and brimstone. And forty-one seminarians
were bowed down, listening to the fact that we would proba-
bly be trooped out of the seminary because we had a woman
4
Fr. Augusto M. Pucci, C.S.R.P.
A Barnabite Priest
January 21, 1916 – December 11, 2010
Remembering Father Augusto Pucci
• By The Very Rev. Robert B. M. Kosek, C.R.S.P., Ph.D.
Provincial Superior
It was Saturday morning, Dec. 11, 2010, when Fr.
Frank Ruzza informed me about the sudden death of our
dear Barnabite confrere, Fr. Augusto Mary Pucci. I felt a
deep sense of loss at hearing the sad news. The oldest mem-
ber of our North American Province - the “patriarch” of the
Province – has passed away in peace.
As Catholics, we believe that DEATH never had and
never will have the last word. The last word belongs to God,
the God of life, and the God of love. “For God so loved the
world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever be-
lieves in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (Jn 3, 16)
Strengthen by these words we dare to stand at the casket not
as fearful and downcast people, but as people who hope that
the one who died is alive in the LORD.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nei-
ther angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future,
nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else
in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of
God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom 8, 38-39) It is
true that nothing - even death - can separate us from the peo-
ple we love and esteem, like Fr. Pucci.
The FR. AUGUSTO M. PUCCI’s, BLOG (frpucci.
blogspot.com) was created for you to share your stories and
memories of Fr. Pucci, stories and memories of he who has
become a precious part of your life. Make it known then to
all what great things the LORD has done for you through Fr.
Pucci.
• By Fr. Louis M. Lenssen C.R.S.P. Superior, Our Lady of
Divine Providence Oakville, Ontario, Canada
When one is to speak of Fr. Pucci, you just have to
look at the people he attracts especially at the masses he still
says in Italian. You know that he has some difficulties in
sight and hearing and he even walks with a limp. But that
does not deter him from fulfilling his calling after 70 year as
a servant of God and his people. He has been an inspiration
to seven men who joined the priesthood.
There are times that, as a superior of the community,
I am tempted to hire a social secretary for all the activities
that he is still able to do. Even though he has given up driv-
ing, he has a dedicated group of people who will drive him
to where he needs to go. He is a man with a great appetite
for good home cooking, a wonderful appetite for reading and
following up on world events. He has a great devotion to the
 Fr. Steven M. Grancini, C.S.R.P.
A Barnabite Priest
June 13, 1932 – January 2, 2011
in our song. And so we waited patiently. I had already made
up my mind. What should I say to my mother? But Fr. Vitto-
rio interceded for us and we were excused. This was a great
experience. Knowing that, we had to be very straight.
A very important idea that we always had in mind
is that there is sorrow in our life; especially the life of Fr.
Steve; a veil of sorrow. His mother died under the air raids.
His sister died very young, too. And his brother, Vittorio,
was in the missions and he died there, too. And so we re-
doubled our fervor in doing more for God; in doing more for
the Church.
Many times we mused about what we would like to
have on our tombs. Fr. Steve will be buried in a small cem-
etery of the Barnabites in Lewiston, NY, and the tombs don’t
have any words except the name, the dates, and R.I.P.; noth-
ing else, with the emblem of the Barnabites. So, we were
musing about what we would like to have. We would like to
have, for this priest, for instance, “he was a saint.” For the
other priest, “he was an explorer.” Another priest, “he was
a great preacher.” I said, “I would like to have on my tomb
the word -- only one word -- extra.” Fr. Steve said, “prob-
ably for me to have St. Paul’s Latin word – “superinpendar”
-- a word that is very important to us. And that is what we
were doing. The Latin word means to spend oneself totally,
completely. (Cf 2 Cor 12: 15) After all, Fr. Steve tried to
fulfill, as I did too, and all the Barnabites, the motto of the
Barnabites. In Latin, saeculo renuntiantes, totusque nos Deo
dedicantes; animarum saluti deservianus- (renunciation of
the spirit of the world, total dedication to God, and apostolic
service to our brothers). And there was, like Baruch, fire in
our bones to really spend as much time for God.
Sometime I kindly explained to him that, after all,
San Diego has beautiful sites; that he should visit them. But
he never answered. Why? Because there was always some-
body who wanted counsel; some activity to take part in;
something to write about; something to be kept up. And so
he overspent himself.
A very beautiful way in which he showed that he
overspent himself was evident when we had Fr. Steve’s wake
two days ago. The RCIA class was present and the church
was almost full. There were a lot of beautiful prayers, and a
lot of testimonies. But the overspending of himself was this:
he attended all the RCIA programs and lessons every time.
He never missed even one. He was always present at them.
He was always there. And that is the idea of overspending
oneself.
He had a very large idea of the Church; I believe
broader than most priests. When he was elected Father-
5
Fr. Augusto M. Pucci, C.S.R.P.
A Barnabite Priest
January 21, 1916 – December 11, 2010
Blessed Mother and participated in daily recitation of the
rosary.
He truly is an inspiration to the local community of
Barnabite Fathers, highly respected by the local clergy in the
Diocese of Hamilton. He is seen by many as the “Nonno”
(grandfather) of the parish.
Father is retired from his regular service to the par-
ish, but that has not slowed him down from ministering to
the people who love him and whom he loves in return.
May God continue to bless Fr. Pucci in the service to
God in the community of St. James.
• By Giuseppe and Natalina Bianchi
I am honoured to offer my letter in celebration of
Father Augusto Pucci’s 94th birthday.
I first met Father Pucci in 1965 when he joined St.
James Parish. Since that time not only has he remained a
dedicated and loved pastor of the church but has become a
true family friend. He has celebrated many sacraments for
my family, including baptisms, communions, confirmations,
weddings and anniversaries, a true circle of life.
Father Pucci shines when he speaks of his family,
his love and concern is exceptional, stories of his family are
shared with pride.
The Italian community of Oakville has truly appre-
ciated his devotion to our faith. Father Pucci delivers his
sermons with passion always with a calm disposition.
Father Pucci has enjoyed many meals at my home,
enjoying my wife Natalina’s Italian cooking, always bring-
ing a healthy appetite and sharing stories of the past.
photo: Fr. Robert Kosek, CRSP
 Fr. Steven M. Grancini, C.S.R.P.
A Barnabite Priest
June 13, 1932 – January 2, 2011
General, he visited a lot of countries and a lot of the houses of
the Barnabites. He saw the needs of the Church: in schools,
in hospitals, especially in the missions; and fulfilled the de-
sire of working and loving the missions. So there was a great
desire in him to do more and more for the Church. As sons of
St. Paul, we can say that his life was this: “I fought the good
fight, I ran the race, I kept the Faith. At the end, the Lord will
give me a crown.” (2 Tim 4:7-8)
Fr. Steve, for a lot of people, became an open Bi-
ble. As soon as you saw him, you knew him. You knew that
he was ready, especially when he was suffering a lot. And
surely we’ll continue to pray for all his works. Everything
is going really well in the parish. Everything has been not
nailed down in programs, in activities, and so on, but every-
thing has been riveted, so that all his endeavors are continu-
ing beautifully. And I know from heaven he will continue to
pray. He really was an open Bible.
In his office there is a handwritten plaque about a
priest. Somebody must have sent it to him. This poem was
his ideal. I know it’s a little tacky to read poems at funerals.
But I would like to read a few lines.
“When a Priest like this you are able to find,
You will know that our God has been most kind.
He has sent you a leader, His way to show,
Inspiring this Priest, His truth to know.
Like Jesus, a companion he can feel,
A Priest whose purpose it is to heal.
To teach of God’s Spirit alive today,
May God bless him and show him the way.”
(A Priest, poem)
One last thought…. in the Pocono Mountains, there
is a little town called Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania, where a beau-
tiful little cemetery is located, overlooking the Lehigh Val-
ley. It became well-known because a famous actress is bur-
ied there. I visited the cemetery, and noticed that there was
no name on the tomb, but these words were written on the
tombstone that could be applied to Fr. Steve: “By knowing
you we will love you more.” United Church in Oakville and Father Pucci, the churches
We will, during these days, discover more and more
what he did. Why? Because we listen. Because his work
continues. Because his programs have been in place. And
so we will know how to love him more, just in time to thank
God more.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen
6
Fr. Augusto M. Pucci, C.S.R.P.
A Barnabite Priest
January 21, 1916 – December 11, 2010
Let us celebrate with Father Pucci for all that he
has done for St. James Parish and the Oakville community.
My family and I are truly blessed to have Father Pucci in
our lives.
• By J.D. Crilly
It was September 1967 when I immigrated to Canada with
my wife Ann and four children. Once we settled in our apart-
ment in Oakville we looked for the closest church which
turned out to be St. James Parish. We attended our first mass
and introduced ourselves to Father Pucci and Father Julio. A
special bond took place that day and still remains after forty
years. As our family grew to seven children in total we were
faced with our challenges which we relied on Father Pucci
and the entire congregation for guidance and support.
In January 1968, I transferred my membership from
the Knights of Columbus Scotland to Marion Council 3881,
Oakville, where I met Clem Guiry who was a building con-
tractor. Clem asked me to help repair the floor in the old
rectory. We got together the following Saturday and ripped
out the floor and replaced the vinyl tiles. To thanks us, Fa-
ther Pucci invited Clem and me to dinner which was served
by the rectory housekeeper. Father Pucci, Father Julio and
Clem were all served traditional Italian spaghetti and meat-
balls. Father Pucci knew a Scotsman would likely prefer
something else so I was served a large steak and chips. As
a parting gift, Clem was given a bottle of wine and I was
treated to a bottle of 12 year old malt whiskey, Chevis Regal.
The look on Clem’s face forced me into hysterical laugh-
ter. It was a lovely evening and that night I got to know
more about Father Pucci. For example, until that evening I
was unfamiliar with the Barnabite order. He was then and is
sill today a great inspiration to me. As the Chaplain of the
Knights of Columbus, he gave excellent spiritual guidance to
all the members. By example, he taught us that the best act
of charity was to stop and simply listen to another person’s
problems.
In 1972, I put together and Ecumenical Service be-
tween the Knights of Columbus and the Masonic Lodge in
agreement with Father Pucci. This was hosted at St. Paul’s
minister and a Rabbi were all participants. Father Pucci is
the main pillar of St. James and will always remain a house-
hold name in the hearts of those who were blessed to know
him.
Amen!
 Fr. Steven M. Grancini, C.S.R.P. Fr. Augusto M. Pucci, C.S.R.P.
A Barnabite Priest A Barnabite Priest
June 13, 1932 – January 2, 2011 January 21, 1916 – December 11, 2010

Condolences for Fr. Grancini Condolences for Fr. Pucci

Father Grancini was everything a pastor should be: An ef-
fective administrator, a leader, a man who preached excel-
lent homilies, but truly preached by the way he lived. He
was also a man of great kindness and patience. With time
for everyone, he worked tirelessly as a priest and labored to
protect the integrity of the parish. I will miss him terribly and
my heart goes out to those closest to him. This is a huge loss,
not only for Our Lady of the Rosary, but for Little Italy, the
Barnabites and the Diocese of San Diego. May God bless Fr.
Grancini and welcome him to his eternal reward
~ Robert Kumpel, Valdosta, Georgia
Rest in Peace Father Steve
~ Monica De Santi, San Diego, California
Father Pucci was a blessing from the Lord to his Church. He
was a model Christian and priest. He was profoundly loving
and deeply loved. His faith was transparent; his hope was
an encouragement; his love was an inspiration. As a priest
of the Diocese of Hamilton I am blessed to have known him
for many years and have great affection, respect and admira-
tion for him. Especially during these years since (...). I am
convinced that he now shares the life of heaven after such a
beautiful life on earth. I pray that the example of his priestly
life will inspire others whom the good Lord may be calling
to respond positively to the precious vocation of ordained
priesthood.
~ Father Roger William Formosi

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www.frgrancini.blogspot.com www.frpucci.blogspot.com

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7
 Rome, Jan 16, 2011

In Memory of
Fr. Augusto M. Pucci, CRSP & Fr. Steven M. Grancini, CRSP

In less than a month, the North American Province of Barnabite Fathers was deprived of two dear and
precious confreres, Fr. Augusto M. Pucci,CRSP (+Oakville Dec.11, 2010) and Fr. Steven M. Grancini,
CRSP (+San Diego Jan. 2, 2011).

Their departure affects our whole family who, with affection and gratitude, presents our prayers to the
Lord for the repose of their souls.

Father Augusto Pucci, true patriarch in our religious family, is remembered for his refinement, goodness
and kindness and for his ease with human and pastoral contacts. These qualities assured him the confidence,
esteem and friendship of those whom he served. Fr. Pucci was among the founders of the Barnabite
presence in Canada, where he spent more than forty years. Prior to this assignment, he was instrumental
in the success of the first Barbabite community in Buffalo, New York, USA.

Father Steven Grancini spent most of his priestly life in the North American Province, where he was
a student of theology. He joined the first group of young seminarians, full of enthusiasm and hope for
the new Barnabite experience, in the United States of America. His wisdom, combined with the qualities
of leadership and organization, led him to positions of responsibility in various communities across
the province and finally, to six years in Rome as Superior General of the entire Barnabite Order. The
affection and gratitude of so many are primarily related to twenty-five years of service in the parish
of Our Lady of the Rosary in San Diego, California. Thanks to Fr. Grancini, the parish community has
become a trustworthy reference in the city and the diocese, not only for its vibrant Italian community, but
for many others.

While we feel the pain of the loss of Fr. Pucci and Fr. Grancini, we thank the Lord for the blessings they
have brought with them; for the testimony of our Barnabite religious family life; and for the Christian
communities that both fathers’ served with love and dedication. We are certain that many will treasure
their memory and the fruits of their spiritual wealth.

God bless you all!

Most Rev. Giovanni M. Villa, CRSP

Superior General