From November 25-29, the International Schoenstatt Center in Rome, adjacent to the Matri Ecclesiae Shrine in Belmonte, hosted a spiritual retreat for priests. The retreat was conducted by Father José Luis Correa Lira, from the Institute of the Schoenstatt Fathers, and its central theme was “priestly fatherhood”. The participants were able to pray and reflect in an atmosphere of silence, prayer and fraternity.
Father José Luis led the meditations and celebrations highlighting the fatherhood of God and the priestly ministry as the fulfillment of this fatherhood in God’s people. The retreat provided the priests with a moment of introspection and spiritual renewal, strengthening their commitment to the pastoral mission.
United Hearts
Several priests participated in the retreat, among them:
- Fr. Marcelo Cervi (Rector of Belmonte).
- Fr. Beltran Gomez and Fr. Andres Rodriguez (Schoenstatt Fathers working in the Santi Patroni d’Italia Parish in Rome).
- Fr. Valentino Menegatti (Archdiocese of Ferrara)
- Fr. Marcelo Lavin (Diocese of Livorno)
- Fr. Simeòn Rwasa (serving in the Diocese of San Miniato)
- Fr. Cristiano Oliveira, OSBCam (Monastery of Fonte Avellana, in the Marche Region)
- Fr. Samuel Freita (Diocese of Jaboticabal, Brazil)
Covenant of Love
During the retreat, on Wednesday, November 27, Father Bruno Otenio, from the Diocese of Guarulhos (Brazil), sealed the Covenant of Love during a moment of profound devotion and commitment, after having prepared extensively and with great joy for being able to serve in the Shrine.
Future of the Priests’ League
At the end of the retreat, three priests living in Italy took concrete steps towards structuring the Priests’ League. Together with Fr. Marcelo Cervi, their assistant, they unanimously recognized Fr. Valentino Menegatti as Leader of the League, with Fr. Marcelo Lavin and Fr. Cristiano Oliveira, OSBCam as co-leaders. They planned a calendar of online meetings by Zoom and will schedule two face-to-face meetings in 2025: on January 24 and 25, and the annual retreat that will take place from November 24 to 28. These meetings will provide opportunities for sharing, prayer and strengthening fraternal bonds among priests.
The retreat for priests at the International Center in Rome has been an experience of deep spiritual enrichment and strengthening of priestly fatherhood. May the seed planted during these days continue to bear fruit in the ministry of each of the participants, for the greater glory of God and the benefit of his people.
Translation: Maribel Acaron
