After an extensive search, we are pleased
to introduce you to the new executive director of the National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia! Guilherme “Gui” Lopes has spent more than ten years helping people and Catholic communities grow in faith, leadership, and service, and he looks forward to sharing these talents with the Shrine community.
“Finding a new director for the Shrine was a responsibility we took very seriously,” says Jim Burke, chair of the Shrine’s board of directors. “We had a number of qualified candidates from which to choose, and we couldn’t be happier to welcome Gui to the role. We are excited about his vision for this landmark of Augustinian spirituality, and we hope you will come to the Shrine to meet him soon.”
Lopes previously served as director of campus ministry at Neumann University, where he worked closely with students, staff, and university leaders to nurture their Catholic identity and create
opportunities for prayer, formation, service, justice, and belonging. He has also led campus ministry at Cabrini University and served as director of youth and young adult ministry for the Salesians of Don Bosco, accompanying communities across the East Coast and Canada. Gui holds a Doctor of Ministry in ecumenical studies from Catholic Theological Union, as well as master’s degrees in pastoral studies and criminal justice from Loyola University New Orleans and DeSales University, respectively. At the heart of his ministry is a desire to listen well, bring people together, and help others recognize and share in God’s gifts.
As the Shrine’s executive director, Lopes is responsible for the overall leadership of the Shrine’s spiritual, pastoral, operational, and financial activities. He will oversee liturgical and pilgrim services, hospitality, facilities and staff management, volunteer engagement, and fundraising initiatives that support the Shrine’s mission and long-term sustainability.
“I am deeply grateful and humbled to introduce myself as the incoming executive director of the National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia. I come into this role with a humble heart and a deep commitment to servant leadership—ready to listen, learn, pray, and serve alongside you,” says Lopes. “In the spirit of St. Rita, I hope to help the Shrine remain a welcoming home where people can bring their prayers, struggles, and hopes and know that they are not alone. I look forward to meeting you, learning from the faithful community that has shaped this sacred place, and walking together as we continue the Shrine’s beautiful mission. Please keep me in your prayers as I begin this new chapter and know that I will be praying for you as well.”
