Update from Rome: busy days and nights

By: Br. Daniel, O.F.M.

Those who have studied their theology in Rome know that the semesters here are a bit different. The schedule leaves us with a whole three weeks to enjoy Christmas break and really “get into the spirit.” 

We returned to class after the Feast of the Epiphany and finished the winter semester. Our vacation, however, was packed. The week before Christmas, we began our vacation with a two-day retreat in the hills of the province of Avellino, Campania, in preparation for the celebration of the Incarnation of our Lord. Avellino is in the South, and it was a pleasure to participate in some formative events with some of the friars of the Franciscan provinces of Southern Italy. Between the hospitality and the food, we felt right at home. 

For the Christmas festivities, we spent most of our time here in Rome, going to the General Curia for the “Midnight Mass” on Christmas Eve and animating/celebrating Christmas Mass down at the parish of San Gregorio VII. On the feast of Saint Stephen, which here in Italy is celebrated as a national holiday, we had a nice BBQ, which brought us into a more “relaxed” schedule.

Out with the old and in with the new! For New Year’s Eve, in traditional fashion, we went to the Vatican for the “Te Deum” and vespers, more or less presided over by Pope Francis who does what he can with his health. Of course, the night couldn’t go on without enjoying lentils made with “cotechino,” a common dish in Italy on this day, and a sign of favor for the coming year. Then we tried our luck at our annual “tombolata”—a real favorite among the Brothers. I don’t think anyone went home without a prize! 

All this was in preparation for the New Year, which we brought in together as a fraternity, toasting all the good God has blessed our lives with. As I stated, we spent “most” of our time here in Rome, except for our fraternal outing to Florence on the 4th of January. The guardian organized a really nice day trip for us to Florence, a city rich in Church culture and culture. We all enjoyed it very much. 

On January 7th, as we opened the celebration of the anniversary of the Franciscan Rule and the Christmas at Greccio, several of the brothers from the Convento were invited by the General Curia to participate in the events at Greccio with friars from multiple branches of our Franciscan family. I had the opportunity to go, and it was overwhelming to feel a part of such a beautiful, long-lasting tradition and to realize we are all a part of a much bigger family. 

We ask you to continue your support for us through prayer and solidarity while we do the same on our end for all of you.

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Franciscan priests and brothers follow in the footsteps of the Lord Jesus and St. Francis. They accept the gift of poverty as a way of life. They have nothing of their own but share equally as brothers whatever God provides through your generosity.

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