The annual retreats of the Redemptorists of the Southern Europe Province for the Italian region took place in a serene and spiritually charged atmosphere at the motherhouse in Ciorani. A good number of confreres gathered together to experience a few days of true and serene spirituality and fraternity. The reflections were given by Father Francesco Filannino, priest of the Diocese of Trani, director of the Roman Seminary, and Professor of Sacred Scripture at the Pontifical Gregorian University.
The theme of Hope, fully in tune with the ongoing Jubilee, guided the research and reflection. Through a careful reading of selected texts from the Gospel of Mark, Father Francesco, using the biblical image of night, drew powerful reflections from each passage, capable of inspiring new energy and hope.
Each Gospel text was paired with passages from Paul and various contemporary authors. With depth and simplicity, he guided those present to serious reflection on the theological virtue of hope.
The days were punctuated by three moments of community prayer, in the evocative mother church of the Redemptorists, where everything harks back to the origins. Each reflection was followed by a moment of community adoration, in an atmosphere of silence, listening, and discernment, as well as the Liturgy of the Hours in the morning and evening and the Eucharistic celebration that marked the day’s occasion.
The convivial moments were accompanied by silence and sometimes by moments of fraternity that did not at all nourish the fraternal and community dimension.
The retreats concluded with the Eucharistic celebration on Friday, September 12, presided over by Provincial Father Gennaro Sorrentino, in memory of the name of Mary, and with the renewal of profession of two professed members.
Fr. Francesco Ansalone, CSsR.
