By Sarah Sokora, BA '15

For the past 16 years, Monsignor Thomas Fucinaro has served as chaplain on the University of Dallas’ Eugene Constantin Campus (affectionately known as Due Santi) just outside of Rome. Recently reassigned by Pope Francis to his home diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska, Monsignor Fucinaro will begin his service as pastor of the Cathedral of the Risen Christ on Feb. 2, 2022. 

To bid Monsignor a fitting farewell, friends, alumni, administrators, and fellow clergy gathered at the Basilica di San Sebastiano on Sunday, Nov. 21, the Feast of Christ the King, for a farewell Mass celebrating Monsignor’s many years of service and spiritual fatherhood. In attendance were also Cardinal Silvano Tomasi and Cardinal James Harvey, whom Monsignor befriended during his 24 years of service to the Holy See. Following the Mass, the festivities continued over dinner at L'Archeologica on the Via Appia Antica. In thanksgiving for his years of generous pastoral care, President Jonathan J. Sanford and Vice President, Dean and Director of the Rome Camups Peter Hatlie presented Monsignor Fucinaro with a 17th-century Byzantine icon of Christ the Teacher.

Having touched the lives of thousands of Rome students, it is fitting that Monsignor should be honored in a lasting way. As such, a group of grateful alumni have begun a campaign to permanently honor Monsignor Fucinaro by purchasing a beautiful statue of St. Joseph to be placed in the vineyard of the Due Santi campus. This statue will be a small but meaningful way to thank Monsignor for his many years of guidance, friendship and spiritual fatherhood. 

View more photos and support this campaign of gratitude by making a gift to the Honoring Monsignor Fucinaro Fund today.