Today I am no longer a guardian, or local superior/minister of a friary. This is the latest of several disentangling transitions I'm going through in preparation for my transfer to Rome and the general secretariat of the Order.
It's funny. Most people would think that for a Roman Catholic religious and priest, a move to Rome would be an exciting moment and a coveted privilege. But not everyone sees it that way.
For example, here's a portion of an email I received from a priest, in which he gives me his advice on going to live among the Romans:
And how long will you be among the killers of my Lord and Savior? I
understand that God's abundant mercy has been extended to them but be
careful in any event.
6 comments:
Well, dear me! This goes along with the book I just finished reading about the intrigues that go on there...suffice it to say that nothing has changed after all these centuries.
Lorraine
Ack! Really??
The statement seems quite derogatory against Romans, especially coming from a priest. In taking advice on how to live among them, I would suggest you take advice from someone else.
Back in the '50s and '60s, Rome was plagued with pickpockets. You might want to check to see if such is still the case and if so, watch your back. But, Rome is such a beautiful, magnificent city!!! It is loaded with history and so much to see that perchance a lifetime of living there might not be enough time to unearth all that is there. I do hope that you will be able to thoroughly enjoy all that the city has to offer. The Church of Santa Susanna is one of my favorites, after St. Peter's, of course. There is something homey about St. Susanna, something very comfortable. When are you leaving?
I don't know when I go yet; I'm waiting on a date.
I am surprised about the email. Maybe, he was just kidding. When you get there, try to avoid the catacombs. Hope to see you in Assisi in the Fall.
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