Neapolitans often gather at Piazza del Plebiscito—Naples’ vast square bordered by a large basilica and the city’s Royal Palace.
The cultural center typically hosts celebrations, political rallies, and large-scale concerts, but soon the hope of Jesus Christ will be the central focus.
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“This is such an iconic venue but [it’s never been used] for anything evangelistic,” said Scott Lenning, executive Festival director for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA).
The upcoming Noi Festival on September 14 will feature popular Christian artists and a Gospel message from Franklin Graham, similar to past events in Milan in 2022 and Rome in 2023.
Through ongoing prayer and evangelism training leading up to the outreach, Naples’ evangelical churches have come together, said Lenning.
“It’s a special time for the body of Christ.”
Overcoming Obstacles
For the past year, churches have been praying God will open people’s hearts to His truth and transform many lives.
Long-held customs hinder people from experiencing the freedom found in a personal relationship with Christ, said Pastor Danilo Bozza, leader of Il Faro International Baptist Church in Naples.
“There are a lot of religious traditions people follow,” he said, though the rules and expectations that come along with them aren’t always met.
“It’s a culture of shame and guilt,” said Bozza. Many are “trying to hide their wrongdoing and sins. They’re trying to show their ‘Viso bellissimo’—or ‘Beautiful face.’”
Sometimes people blindly observe rituals, he said, longing for something that will have a lasting impact on their life.
“They want a supernatural experience but don’t go deeper and explore the truth of the Gospel.”
Prayerful Preparation
Some unique events leading up to the Festival included Pastor, Prayer, Pizza gatherings, which helped leaders from many different denominations find common ground.
Earlier this year, 900 women attended Noi Donne to worship, pray, and encourage one another in living out their faith.
Church members embraced I Am Andrew—evangelism training inspired by the disciple who introduced others to Jesus—and have been praying about who to invite to the Festival.
Naples’ largest-ever evangelistic youth rally drew more than 2,200 students. Afterward, Bozza noticed that the young people in his church were more engaged and open to share their faith with friends.
With God stirring the hearts of believers across Naples, the pastor is confident the light of Christ will shine brightly in Piazza del Plebiscito during the Festival—and beyond.
“My hope is that this renewed attitude to share the Gospel is not going to stop, that people will continue their commitment to the Lord to share the [Good News] with family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors,” he said.
