Many people returned to our seminary last Saturday. Following the success of the guided tour on Seminary Day, on Saturday, November 30th, we celebrated Saint Andrew, the seminary's patron saint. The highlight of the day was the Mass presided over by the bishop in the church. While traditionally a celebration aimed primarily at the diocesan presbytery, this year it became an opportunity to involve many others, connected in various ways to our seminary. Many priests were present, four of whom celebrated their ordination anniversaries; the rectors of the seminaries of Vigevano and Bergamo, a sign of the joint journey we are undertaking with other seminaries in Lombardy; religious women, consecrated women, and many lay people. Looking around our church, filled with such vibrant and diverse faces, we glimpsed those "sprouts of hope" that draw us back to the theme chosen for this community year, as Don Giovanni recalled during his opening remarks. The bishop's homily was also particularly meaningful, in which we were encouraged to always welcome the Lord's call to follow him in our daily lives, as it did for the apostle Andrew. The entire celebration was lovingly led by the San Lanfranco choir, which accompanied every moment with music and song.
At the end of the Mass, in the main hall, Father Giacomo Ravizza gave a talk in memory of Father Giulio Bosco, a priest from Pavia whose memory lives on in so many hearts. He shared with those present some notes he had taken during spiritual retreats, as well as personal memories. The convivial lunch that followed was an even greater opportunity to strengthen bonds of friendship with the priests, nuns, young people, and volunteers who join us in various vocation promotion activities.
The day continued for us seminarians with a spiritual retreat, which concluded on Sunday morning. It was also attended by Father Luca Girello, rector of the Vigevano seminary, and a young man from his diocese on a journey of discernment. We wanted to begin Advent with a powerful moment of meditation and prayer. At the end of the retreat, we celebrated the Sunday Eucharist with the parish community of San Lanfranco, engaging in dialogue with the faithful as they left the church.
Filled with gratitude to all who have drawn us together during these intense days of celebration and prayer, we continue the season of Advent, ready to welcome the Lord who comes to visit us in the present moment of our lives. We wish everyone a happy journey towards Christmas!
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