Franco Maggiotto: Reformer

Fede Viva has evolved into a growing movement of theologically prepared laymen, elders and pastor-theologians. Its goal is to help build a New Reformed Church, centered in Italy, but spreading worldwide.

by Rev. M. Luimes Nobleton

Born into a rich and influential family, Rev. Franco Maggiotto, was a rising star in the Roman Church. By the age of 25, he had two earned doctorates and was already head of a Basilica with 37,000+ parishioners. Thirty years ago, busloads came to hear him speak and he was on T.V weekly.

He was successively secretary to two of the most powerful Cardinals. Following a dramatic conversion while conducting mass (recounted along with the conversions of fifty other priests in the book "Far From Rome, Near to God" [Banner of Truth]), he pursued Reformed theological studies in Holland and England. During that period he married an Italian girl who converted in her teens and attended an evangelical church.

One of Rev. Franco Maggiotto’s first innovations was the initiation of a ministry called Fede Viva. Its PURPOSE continues to reach his fellow countrymen with the plain truth of the Gospel and to bring Reformation to the Church. Reformation Christian Ministries is in partnership with Fede Viva and assists in bringing Reformation to Italy.

Fede Viva has evolved into a growing movement of theologically prepared laymen, elders and pastor-theologians. Its goal is to help build a New Reformed Church, centered in Italy, but spreading worldwide.

Nineteen small congregations lay-led (20-40 members each) have begun. Rev. Franco Maggiotto describes them as reformed in doctrine and presbyterian in polity. All of his elders are in on-going training, learning Greek, Hebrew and theology from him as their mentor. As pastor, he prepares reformed evangelical liturgies and preaches by rotation at a few of these congregations.

Since the transfer of the church in his house to the small store front "ministry hub," the other "grassroots" churches are beginning to demonstrate a more public face. Future connections are imminent.

God raised up Dr. Franco Maggiotto in the 1980’s to work for a true, biblical Reformation in Italy. His education at the Vatican’s Gregorian University (Ph.D. and Th.D) and many years as a priest and archpriest in the Roman Catholic Church make him extremely knowledgeable of and connected with very well-placed priests in the Roman Catholic hierarchy. Some have grown to embrace his theology, others to oppose him. He is sought out for evangelism; political, economic and personal counselling by priests, nuns, politicians and businessmen; and even Jews, Muslims and foreign governments. Last November, he was invited by Israel to be part of an Italian delegation to consult with the Israeli Knesset. In February, 2003, he was in a major European country consulting with political reformers there on matters impacting reformation in Italy. In all cases, he is preaching the Gospel and carrying forth the gospel of God’s sovereign grace.

Franco is currently taking meetings in Canada speaking in Sheffield URC on March 20 and in Bowmanville OCRC on March 21.

Rev. M. Luimes Nobleton, Ontario.