The program included several celebrations:
▪ On May 15, 2018, in the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome, there was a solemn celebration, at the same church, where two hundred years ago our Founder had received his priestly ordination. The pallottine Family gathered in great number at 3 p.m. in the Basilica, to thank the Lord in Eucharistic adoration for His multifold graces. Subsequently, at 5 pm, the Vicar of the Holy Father for the Diocese of Rome, Mons. Angelo De Donatis, presided over the Holy Mass.
Rector General, Fr. Jacob Nampudakam SAC and a great number of pallottine priests concelebrated. Among them was a group of recently ordained Pallottine Priests, who were invited to Rome for a meeting on the occasion of the jubilee. Pallotti´s bible and stole, together with his relic and picture were exposed on the side, in front of the altar.
Beginning his homily, Mons. Angelo De Donatis shared with us, that he, having earlier been a “successor” of Pallotti as spiritual director in the Pontifical Seminary of Rome, for 14 years, always has been entrusting the priests of the Diocese of Rome to the intercession of St. Vincent. Referring to the Gospel of John (Jn 14,16) he continued, that Jesus glorified God through his mission. The same did Pallotti in his life, and we all are called to glorify God through our lives. This includes also suffering. “In Pallotti the glory of God was revealed!” he said repeatedly.
This solemn celebration was embellished by the pallottine choir from Ostia. The pallottine family was represented by many Priests, Sisters, Lay members and friends of the Union of the Catholic Apostolate. Among them were the Superiors General of the three Core Communities, Father Jacob Nampudakam SAC, Sister Ivete Garlet CSAC, Sister Izabela Świerad, SAC and Sister Adalgisa Cammarata, the Superior General of the Eucharistic Sisters of St. Vincent Pallotti.
▪ May 16, 2018, the day of the Bicentenary Jubilee of Pallotti´s priestly ordination, we gathered again in great number for the Eucharistic Celebration as the Pallottine Family, this time in the Church SS. Salvatore in Onda, at the altar with the Shrine of our Founder.
With main celebrant Fr. Jacob Nampudakam, the Rector General, a group of recently ordained pallottine priests from diverse countries served at the altar and offered this Eucharist, together with the many other Pallottine priests present. Mrs. Donatella Acerbi, the President of the Union of the Catholic Apostolate cited words of Pallotti´s letters, encouraging his readers to live a holy life.
Donatella Acerbi said: This is meant for us today! Being different, we are one in the one Union, united in the holy life of Pallotti.
Fr. Jacob highlighted in his homily essential aspects of the priesthood of St. Vincent Pallotti: Pallotti, a man of God, not a mere social worker, centered his live in the Eucharist, was a fervent apostle for the glory of God, a man of sacrifice, calling all to collaborate for the salvation of all people.
After the Mass, all participants in the packed church received another special grace on this day of thanksgiving: the individual blessing of the 16 newly ordained priests.
May St. Vincent Pallotti obtain special graces for all of our priests and for our whole Pallottine family. May St. Vincent Pallotti´s spirit continue to live in us!
180th Anniversary of the Foundation of the Pallottine Sisters 1838 – 2018
▪ May 20, 2018. With immense joy and gratitude, on the day of the Solemnity of Pentecost, we Pallottine Sisters of the two Congregations, the “Roman Sisters” and the “Missionary Sisters”, celebrated together our 180th foundation day, at the Chapel of the first Mother House of the Pallottine Sisters at Via Porta Maggiore.
Many Pallottine priests and lay members of the Union participated in this festive event. Fr. Antonio Lotti, SAC, Provincial Superior of the Italian Province presided over the Eucharistic celebration and invited to reflect on “faith” which is not so simple by only believing in the existence of God, but to believe that God loves us.
The joyful event overflowed with prayers and meaningful songs. We Pallottine Sisters who were present, guided by Sr. Izabela Świerad, SAC, Superior General of the Pallottine Missionary Sisters, renewed our vows. Before the final blessing, two Superior Generals received burning candles from the eldest members of the Congregation, which were lighted from the Paschal candle as a symbol of the living flame which illumines the life of every Sister of the Congregation.
Meanwhile beautiful voices sang a meaningful song in Italian with the words:
Give me your light, to rekindle the faith
Give me your strength to spread the love
So that the unity which is created in our family
May not go in vain.
The presence of the three General Superiors of the Core communities, Rev. Fr. Jacob Nampudakam SAC, Sister Ivete Garlet CSAC, Sister Izabela Świerad, SAC was highly appreciated. Among the guests there were also Sr. Adalgisa Cammarata, the Superior General of the Eucharistic Sisters of St. Vincent Pallotti, Sr. Vittorina Impero CSAC, Provincial Superior of the Italian Province, Sr. Lilia Capretti, CSAC, former provincial and general superior and Ms. Donatella Acerbi, President of the UAC. After the Holy Mass, all participants were invited by the Sisters to share in a fraternal and warm agape, with delicious dishes.
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