On Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at 10:15 am before the usual general audience, Pope Benedict XVI  will bless  the 5.3 meter statue of Saint Hannibal Mary Di Francia (by the sculptor Giuseppe Ducrot), located in the Piazza of the Roman Protomartyrs in the Atrium of bells of the Basilica of St. Peter. The family of the Rogate invites everyone for this momentous event. Not only is St. Hannibal elevated to the altar of the Saints, his image will also be physically present in one of the niches of St. Peter's Basilica.

We believe that this event expresses the mutual intention of spreading the holiness and charism of  St. Hannibal especially after his canonization. This great gift is a recognition for our Institutions and, above all, the charismatic figure of Saint Hannibal given to the world as an outstanding Apostle of Prayer for Vocations. At a distance of six years after the canonization, his image now, impressive and solemn, will be located in the heart of Christianity.