P. Pancrazio was born in Bari as Nicola Gaudioso, the last of six children, on 15th November 1926.
After the untimely death of his father, Domenico, his family was supported uniquely by the work, as a dressmaker, of his mother Giovanna, who was an exemplary educator and model of self-denial and prayer, not only for her children, but for the women of their surroundings.
 

The year of foundation of the Franciscan Fraternity of Bethany is 1982, but “all started in the silence of the Holy House of Loreto”, where, for more than thirty years (from 1946 to1967) Padre Pancrazio performed his duties of Capuchin friar entrusted with the care of the Holy House.

Since 1984, when the first sisters started the experience of ‘Casa Betania’ with P. Pancrazio, the first temporary vows of poverty, chastity and obedience were pronounced in private forms in the Bishop’s hands. The adventure was turning into a new form of consecrated life in the Church.