Lighthouse Fellowship Napoli | English speaking

Pastors Joe & Mary Benecasa

Pastor Joe was born into an Italian-American family in New York and, just before his 20th birthday, came into the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Joe devoted his life to serving the Lord while working as an accountant and raising his family. He was involved in a wide variety of ministries in his local church as well as on a district level. Joe served as a leader for Royal Rangers - a Christian scouting ministry for boys, as Sunday school teacher for all ages, a song leader, a small groups leader and as a church treasurer. In 2011, while preparing to become credentialed with the Assemblies of God, Pastor Joe heard a very distinct call to come to Italy to minister full time. After several months of wrestling with God, he finally surrendered his will to the Lord to come overseas to minister. During this time he and Pastor Mary made several short term trips to Italy where he preached the gospel, engaged in street evangelism, taught Sunday school, performed Christian counseling, and pastored two international churches.

Pastor Mary came to Christ during her teen years and dedicated her life to serve God through music, both within her family and in the church. Over the years she has led church choirs, orchestras and congregations to God’s throne in worship. Aside from being a private music teacher, Pastor Mary also homeschooled their four children, emphasizing a relationship with Christ, scholastic excellence, and the love of music. She became an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God in 2018 in answer to God’s call to serve in Italy. She and Pastor Joe have been married for over 37 years.