Rest, formation and pilgrimage marked the days of October 12-18 in Ariccia, in a meeting that continues to illuminate the present of the Order with the fidelity of the past.
A Sunday to breathe community
The second week of the ongoing formation course for religious with more than 50 years of simple profession began with a Sunday of rest, prayer and fraternity. The Sunday Eucharist was presided over by Friar Mario Aparecido, who preached on the Good Samaritan and recalled that “a neighbor is anyone who needs my love and mercy, no matter what nation they are from”.
During the morning, the friars presented their countries of origin. Friar Sergio Sanchez spoke about Mexico and its rich missionary history, while Friar Michael Lee Stechmann presented the reality of the United States. There was no shortage of sweets and typical liquors as a sign of hospitality and affection.
Growing old with plenitude: workshop on fraternity and integral care
From October 13-17, the workshop “Fraternity and Integral Care. Cultivating religious life in maturity”, facilitated by Miguel Ángel Millán Asín. Throughout the days, the participants reflected on healthy aging, physical, cognitive, emotional and relational health, as well as the art of dying well.
“Aging is a dynamic of gains and losses,” said the speaker, “but also an opportunity to live with wisdom, enthusiasm and joy. The importance of cultivating inner motivation, having concrete projects, adapting to changes and taking special care of the mind and relationships was emphasized.
With depth and simplicity, Millán also addressed delicate topics such as fragility, dependence, the living will and the experience of illness from an evangelical perspective: “illness can be an ally if it helps us to reorder our life”.
Visits of the Prior General and the Spirit
One of the most significant moments of the week was the visit of the Prior General, Friar Miguel Angel Hernandez, on October 15. He presided at the Eucharist in memory of St. Teresa of Jesus and told the religious:
“Their perseverance is testimony that God is faithful, even when we are not entirely faithful. As they look back they will recognize that it has all been grace.”
During the dinner, the Prior General responded with transparency and closeness to various questions about the life of the Order, the present of the Province of St. Ezekiel, vocation ministry and the current challenges of religious life.
Relational health, tenderness and shared wisdom
Wednesday the 16th was dedicated to relational health and the experience of limitations. “Relationships can become medicine or poison,” it was affirmed, and tools were offered to improve empathy, forgiveness and the capacity for mutual accompaniment. In the afternoon, the group made a pilgrimage to the basilicas of St. Mary Major and St. Paul Outside the Walls, where they devoutly prayed the Salve.
“Ars moriendi”: the art of dying as an act of love.
On Thursday, the 17th, the theme of dignified death was addressed from the spiritual perspective of the “ars moriendi”. “Dying well is an act of love and witness,” said the facilitator, stressing the importance of the living will and of living the illness as a path of grace. The day concluded with a warm farewell to Miguel Ángel Millán, thanking him for his professionalism, his closeness and his deep humanity.
A closing with the scent of sanctity: pilgrimage to Cascia
On Friday the 18th, the religious made a pilgrimage to Cascia, the land of St. Rita. There they celebrated the Eucharist in the crypt, presided over by Friar Michael Stechmann, who encouraged them to imitate the prayer, charity and forgiveness of the saint of the impossible. Afterwards they visited Roccaporena, her hometown, sharing a day of joyful conviviality, enlivened with songs, good food and fraternity.
A week for the soul… and for the future
The meeting was not only a space for formation and rest, but also a profound experience of community life and a rediscovery of the prophetic value of old age. “How to transmit what we have lived to our brothers,” many asked themselves at the end. Perhaps the answer lies in what the Prior General expressed in these words:
“Thank you for following. Thank you for being lighthouses. Thank you for reminding us that faithfulness is possible.”