08/23/2026
Dear friends of St. Joseph Mission Charity,
My name is Diego, a representative and an Italian friend of STJMC. Today, I would like to invite you to join a beautiful and deeply spiritual project in the heart of Rome. The Basilica of the Twelve Holy Apostles is one of Rome’s most historic churches. Its origins reach back to the sixth century, and it safeguards the sacred relics of the Apostles Saint Philip and Saint James the Lesser. For generations, Italians and pilgrims from around the world have entered this basilica to celebrate Mass, pray, and find peace in the presence of God.
Within the basilica is the historic Chapel of the Crucifixion—a sacred place that draws our hearts to Jesus, who gave His life upon the Cross for the salvation of the world. Its ancient columns and centuries-old sacred art carry the prayers, tears, and hopes of countless generations. Today, this precious chapel needs restoration so that its beauty and spiritual heritage may be preserved for future generations.
The Conventual Franciscan Friars of the basilica have invited St. Joseph Mission Charity to serve as a principal sponsor of this important restoration. This is a great honor, but it is also a sacred responsibility that calls for the prayers and generosity of many faithful people.
As an Italian, I am especially moved that this project will also bring a statue of Our Lady of La Vang from Vietnam to the Basilica of the Twelve Holy Apostles. We Italians, together with all who visit the basilica, are honored to welcome her.
Our Lady of La Vang is much more than a statue. She carries the faith, suffering, courage, and hope of the Vietnamese Catholic people. Her presence in Rome will be a beautiful spiritual gift from Vietnam to Italy and to the universal Church—a sign that Mary gathers her children from every nation and leads us together to her Son, Jesus Christ.
The restoration of the Chapel of the Crucifixion and the welcoming of Our Lady of La Vang unite the Cross of Christ with the tender love of His Mother. They also create a spiritual bridge between Vietnam and Italy, between different cultures, and among Catholics throughout the world.
Dear friends, I warmly invite you to join STJMC in this sacred mission through your prayers, your generosity, and by sharing this project with others. Every offering, great or small, will help preserve a holy place of prayer and leave a lasting spiritual legacy for generations to come.
Together, let us restore not only a historic chapel, but also a place where hearts may encounter Christ, find comfort beneath His Cross, and experience the loving presence of Our Lady of La Vang.
May God bless you for being part of this beautiful mission.
With gratitude and friendship from Italy,
Diego
An Italian Friend of St. Joseph Mission Charity and a representative in Italy.