During the months of January and February, our first Definitor, Father Agustí Borrell, from Spain carried out a pastoral visit to the Province of Central Italy. Created in 2014 by the union of the old Roman and Tuscan provinces, it has at the moment 50 solemnly professed members spread in 11 communities. The medium age is 76 years. They have five students in formation, two of which come from Albania.
The communities maintain an atmosphere of serenity and follow a healthy rhythm of communal prayer. Apostolic activity is centered on liturgical celebrations in the various churches besides the spirituality centers in various parts of Italy. In the province there are at present 14 monasteries of Discalced Carmelite Nuns and 19 communities of the Secular Order. The Fathers are also opening up a mission in Albania. The shortage of vocations is forcing this province to restructure itself.
This shortage of vocations forces us to look Up. God know what He is doing. “Holiness is doing God’s will with a big smile,” Mother Teresa of Calcutta constantly reminds us.