AD SUM

With these words, Father Zinno expresses a deep faith that nourished him during his own sabbatical in Rome and that he now shares with the priests of the ICTE through his God-given talents. Let’s savor these moments of fellowship together!

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For Father Henry Zinno, a sabbatical in Rome in 2022 was a life-changing experience. During this time of renewal in Italy, he visited Assisi and prayed at the tomb of Carlo Acutis, the young Italian who died in 2006 at the age of fifteen. Facing serious heart problems, Father Zinno entrusted himself to Carlo’s intercession.

After returning from Italy, he underwent successful heart surgery. His joy at being given a new lease on life was renewed in a remarkable way on September 7, 2025, when he concelebrated with Pope Leo XIV at the canonization Mass of Saints Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis in St. Peter’s Square.

 

This appetite for life, this thirst for the Word of Christ, is also expressed in Father Henry Zinno’s love of cooking. His Irish mother and Italian father played a defining role in shaping his faith, which led him to the priesthood and his ordination in 1982. His love of Italian cuisine also has its roots in his childhood, when his Irish mother lovingly prepared Italian dishes for his father.

 

As pastor of both St. Mary’s Church and Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Bristol, in the Diocese of Providence, Father Zinno has enthusiastically shared his passion and generosity with a wider audience through his popular Father Zinno’s Cooking Lessons on YouTube.

His passion for cooking has also brought unexpected friendships. For his birthday, his parishioners arranged a special culinary encounter, inviting him to join Erin McMurrer, Director of Culinary Production at America’s Test Kitchen.

 

Father Zinno likes to say, “He who eats, prays twice!” Each year, following his pilgrimage to the tomb of Carlo Acutis in Assisi, he generously shares his culinary talents with his brother priests by offering a cooking class at the ICTE.

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