The second week at Ciorani was a profound journey of formation, pilgrimage, and fraternity, deepening our appreciation of the Redemptorist vocation through prayer, study, sacred places, and the warm hospitality of those who continue to live its charism. Then visits to Scala, Ravello, Muro Lucano, Deliceto, Marinella and parts of Naples were memorable.
As the second week began, we had already arrived in Ciorani on Saturday and settled into the ‘Casa Madre’ (Mother House) for most of the remainder of the course from 7th to 13th of June. It is near impossible to capture the impact of this week in these few words. We were blessed this week to have lectures provided by our course director Fr. Dworak as well as Frs. Chyla, Saturno, and Ayouba. Each encouraged us to think about our Redemptorist vocation as truly Congregational in scope, being open to the opportunities to proclaim the Gospel to the abandoned and poor of our time – our mission. I would be remiss, however, if I did not give a particular mention to Fr. Saturno from Pagani, who not only gave us a lecture on Alphonsus’ music, but brought with him 6 performers that gave us a heartwarming, passionate and beautiful concert in the Church at Ciorani. As the well know statue of St. Alphonsus in that Church looked down upon us, we encountered our founder through his music in a way that was truly unique. To this author, it was one of many highlights on this course!
Before we took to the road, we got a tour of our house in Ciorani by the rector, Fr. Laureano. His sincere welcome to us translated into a comprehensive tour of the house. We saw among other things, Alphonsus bedroom and the Chapel/Chapter room where the first Redemptorists took their vows. Needless to say, our house in Ciorani is holy ground and at the same time, a home of hospitality and joy steeped in Redemptorist history and charism. The then week saw us take to the road to visit Scala, Ravello, Muro Lucano, Deliceto, Marinella and parts of Naples.
In each place, the chance to walk the paths that our founders trod was a privilege. It helped us not only see these pivotal places with our own eyes but also get a ‘feel’ for what the founders saw. For example, when you step out of the house in Ciorani, and look up at the hills, you know Alphonsus, Sarnelli, Gerard and others saw the same hills and were moved by the sight, as were we. When we prayed at the Grotto in Scala – that picturesque town – one cannot help but feel how close to God Alphonsus must have felt. For me, the Scala Grotto was one of my most cherished visits on this course for its simplicity and natural beauty; truly, a sacred space.
I think all of us were touched by the affection so many people have for St. Gerard. Our visit to Muro Lucano, emphasized this – an entire town embracing one of their own! As our guide took us to the places particular to St. Gerard, we saw how his image was all over the town and how venerated his is to this day. The statue of Gerard in the Cathedral, holding the ceremonial keys to the city as a sign that he was welcome everywhere; it shows how in both life and death, Gerard endeared himself to people. Certainly, a reminder to us all, that by loving God and caring for others, one can leave an indelible mark not only on persons, but on the history and heritage of a community.
So much more could be said, but the word limits of this article will not allow it. However, I will make one final reference – to the kindness and hospitality of the Redemptoristine Sisters that we met in Scala, as well as those in St. Agatha de Goti at the end of last week. Both welcomed us into their homes and offered hospitality with us through the sharing of the Word, Eucharist, and refreshments. It was a joy to spend time with them. As another week of our course ends, I conclude this article with a single word: gratitude!
Fr. Tony Bidgood, CSsR.
Province of Canada
