On Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th October, the Cathedral parish welcomed us to our pastoral weekend to kick off the year, a weekend enriched by a rather original meeting!
On Saturday afternoon, we attended the first meeting of the diocesan training programme for established ministries, led by Rector Don Giovanni in the Seminary's main hall. We then celebrated the pre-holiday Mass in the Cathedral, welcomed by the parish priest, Don Gian Pietro Maggi, whom we had gotten to know better on Friday evening when he dined with us in the Seminary after sharing a Bible meditation.
Upon returning to the Seminary, two pilgrims headed to Assisi along the Via Francigena knocked on our door, asking for shelter. They were accompanied by two unusual travelling companions: a donkey and a small dog. After overcoming a few minor logistical difficulties, our friendly friends then shared their commitments with us for the next day.
On Sunday, we again celebrated a well-attended Mass in the Cathedral, after which Alessandro shared his vocation and his journey in the seminary. To have the opportunity to meet with the Cathedral parish community in a more informal and family-like atmosphere, we had lunch with about eighty parishioners in our refectory. We then continued the afternoon together, visiting the Seminary and concluding with a prayer for vocations.
Finally, on Sunday evening, we celebrated Mass with the university students in the Cathedral, presided over by Bishop Corrado, to mark the opening of the academic year. Afterward, we moved to the bishop's residence for a shared dinner with all the young people present. This year, we hope to share more frequently with you about our weekends, so we can feel like we're on a journey together!
We sincerely thank Don Gian Pietro Maggi and the entire wonderful parish community of the Cathedral...as we prepare to meet with the parishes of Bornasco and Gualdrasco next weekend.
Have a good week everyone!
