ACi Mourns Don Sebastiano Privitera
longtime Aci Catena Priest Don Sebastiano Privitera Dies at 80
ACI CATENA, Italy – Don Sebastiano Privitera, a priest who dedicated over three decades to serving the community of Aci Catena, died Sunday, April 27, 2025, on Divine mercy Sunday. He was 80 years old.
Privitera, former provost of the ”Maria Ss. della Catena” parish, was born in Aci Platani on Jan. 26, 1945. He was ordained into the priesthood on Aug. 11, 1968, by Bishop Angelo Calabretta. Throughout his life, Privitera served the Church and various communities within the Acireale diocese.
After initial assignments in Acireale, Acitrezza, and Santa Venerina, Privitera was assigned to Aci Catena in 1990.His leadership spurred a period of growth and revitalization for the parish. Key achievements included the reopening of the main church following the Santa Lucia earthquake, the establishment of catechesis centers, youth programs, and community services such as the Pellegrino house, a youth centre, the “house of the fercolo,” and a community radio station.
Known for his dedication to young peopel, including his involvement in Catholic Action at the diocesan level, Privitera oversaw parish catechesis programs that drew over 600 children weekly. He also fostered Marian devotion,spearheading the restoration of the Madonna statue and the renewal of its mantle,with the goal of expanding its veneration beyond the patronal feast.
In 2018, Privitera marked his 50th anniversary as a priest by concelebrating Mass with Pope Francis in Rome.
A viewing will be held Monday,april 28,2025,at the Badia church in Aci Catena,followed by the transfer of his body to the main church at 7:30 p.m. The funeral, presided over by Bishop antonino Raspanti, will take place Tuesday, April 29, at 3:30 p.m. at the Matrix Church of Aci Catena.
The Acireale diocese remembered Privitera as an exemplary priest, a guide, teacher, and friend who embodied the love of Christ through his life and service.
Remembering Don Sebastiano Privitera: A Life of Service
This article remembers the life and work of Don Sebastiano Privitera, a dedicated priest who served the community of Aci Catena for over three decades. We’ll explore his contributions, legacy, and the impact he had on those around him.
Who was Don Sebastiano Privitera?
Don Sebastiano Privitera was a priest who dedicated his life to serving the community of Aci Catena, Italy, for over three decades. He was known for his dedication, especially to young people and his role in revitalizing the local parish.
When did Don Sebastiano Privitera pass away?
Don Sebastiano Privitera died on Sunday, april 27, 2025, on Divine Mercy Sunday.He was 80 years old.
What were Don Privitera’s key contributions to the community?
Don Privitera’s contributions to the Aci Catena community were numerous and impactful.Key achievements included:
reopening the main church following the Santa Lucia earthquake.
Establishing catechesis centers to provide religious education.
creating youth programs and fostering community engagement for Aci Catena’s youth.
Developing community services, such as the Pellegrino house, a youth center, the “house of the fercolo”, and a community radio station.
Fostering Marian devotion, including the restoration of the Madonna statue and its mantle.
Were was Don Sebastiano Privitera born?
Don Sebastiano Privitera was born in Aci Platani on January 26,1945.
When was Don Privitera ordained as a priest?
Don Sebastiano Privitera was ordained into the priesthood on august 11, 1968, by Bishop Angelo Calabretta.
Where did Don Privitera serve before Aci Catena?
Before being assigned to Aci Catena in 1990, Don Privitera served in Acireale, Acitrezza, and Santa venerina.
What was his role in the “Maria Ss. della Catena” parish?
Don Privitera served as the former provost of the “maria Ss. della Catena” parish.
How did Don Privitera serve young people?
Don Privitera was deeply committed to young people and was involved in Catholic Action at the diocesan level. He oversaw parish catechesis programs that drew over 600 children weekly.
What is ”Catholic Action”?
Catholic Action(Azione Cattolica) is an institution within the Catholic Church, composed of lay people who work to spread the faith through various activities and projects in thier local communities and beyond.
What happened during Don Privitera’s 50th anniversary as a priest?
In 2018,Don privitera celebrated his 50th anniversary as a priest by concelebrating Mass with Pope Francis in Rome.
When and where will the viewing and funeral be held?
Viewing: Monday, April 28, 2025, at the Badia church in Aci Catena, followed by the transfer of his body to the main church at 7:30 p.m.
* Funeral: Tuesday, april 29, at 3:30 p.m. at the Matrix Church of Aci Catena, presided over by Bishop Antonino Raspanti.
How did the Acireale diocese remember Don Privitera?
The Acireale diocese remembered Don Privitera as an exemplary priest, a guide, teacher, and friend who embodied the love of Christ through his life and service.
Summary of Key Dates and Events
Here’s a brief overview of key dates and events in Don Privitera’s life:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Birth | January 26, 1945 |
| Ordination into the Priesthood | August 11, 1968 |
| Assignment to Aci Catena | 1990 |
| 50th Anniversary as a Priest Concelebrated with Pope Francis | 2018 |
| Death | April 27, 2025 |
| Viewing | april 28, 2025 |
| Funeral | April 29, 2025 |
What is the importance of Divine Mercy sunday?
Divine Mercy Sunday is a special day in the Catholic Church, celebrated on the Second Sunday of Easter. It is a time to focus on the love and mercy of God and to remember the message of jesus christ. The fact that Don Privitera died on this day adds poignancy to his passing, highlighting his life dedicated to faith and service.
What are some phrases to use for a priest’s obituary?
Based on the content, phrases you could use in an obituary include: “devoted priest,” ”exemplary servant of God,” “dedicated to his community,” “a guiding light,” “teacher,” “friend,” and “embodied the love of Christ.”