From November 12th to 20th, the Daughters of Saint Paul hosted the annual spiritual exercises of the Pauline Family at “Casa San Paolo” in Rome. This gathering offered an opportunity for 40 participants, representing various Pauline Congregations and aggregated Institutes of Italy, to engage in deep prayer, reflection, and sharing.
The theme of the exercises, Conformed to Christ, We Proclaim Him, provided the foundation for the daily meditations and celebrations. Rooted in Pauline spirituality, this theme was thoughtfully outlined in booklet form and developed through reflections led by Sr. Francesca Pratillo, FSP, a biblical scholar, and Fr. Guido Colombo, a Pauline priest and Provincial Vicar of the Society of St. Paul in Italy.
This year’s exercises held special significance, marking the twenty-fifth anniversary of the exercises inspired by Blessed James Alberione’s work, Donec formetur Christus in vobis (That Christ Be Formed in Me). Prepared with dedication each year by a team from the Pauline Family in Italy, this course of spiritual exercises booklet has guided generations of our members to conform their lives to Christ. With this meeting, the current team concluded its service at the national level. The annual retreat program will transition to the international level promoted by the general governments of the Pauline Family and accessible to all our members worldwide.
The gathering also included a moment of profound joy. During the final Eucharistic Celebration Eugenio Festa made his First Religious Profession as a consecrated member of the Pauline Institute of Saint Gabriel the Archangel.
Heartfelt gratitude is extended to everyone who contributed to making this event a meaningful experience of spiritual growth and celebration. Special thanks go to the Pauline Family Team in Italy for its dedicated and generous service over the past 25 years.
