By Currents News
Pino Cannavò, an Italian husband and father, fulfilled his dream of becoming a permanent deacon in an unexpected setting: an intensive care unit in Catania.
His wife, María Rita, told Rome Reports that Cannavò remains hospitalized as he continues battling illness.
“God willing, there’s still a road ahead, although it could be challenging,” she said. “But we don’t put limits on divine providence.”
Cannavò was diagnosed with a tumor in June 2025 that gradually worsened. He later began chemotherapy, but the treatment was unsuccessful.
“It hasn’t had the expected result, so we’ve tried other forms of care,” María Rita said.
Cannavò underwent surgery July 31, which removed part, or possibly all, of the visible disease. His recovery, however, has been slow because the surgical wound did not heal properly from the inside, his wife said.
After a lifetime devoted to work, Cannavò enrolled in a theology program and was nearing the end of his studies and formation for the permanent diaconate when he became ill.
Despite his condition, his desire to be ordained remained.
“When it all happened in the intensive care unit, his reaction was one of pure happiness and tears from the very moment he saw the archbishop walk in and embrace him,” María Rita said.
She said Archbishop Renna of the Archdiocese of Catania had been willing to help Cannavò fulfill his dream of ordination.
“When it finally happened, there were almost tears of relief as well, because his dream had come true,” she said.
Archbishop Renna ordained Cannavò to the permanent diaconate in the intensive care unit, surrounded by medical equipment, his wife and their two children, both of whom are nurses at the hospital.
“It’s not every day that certain celebrations can take place in a setting like this,” María Rita said. “But as Monsignor Renna said, my husband’s hospital bed became the altar, and therefore the entire intensive care unit was the cathedral at that moment.”
Despite the difficulties he faced, Cannavò was able to give his “Here I am,” like any other candidate for the diaconate, and fulfill his desire to serve God and the Church.