Parish of Castel Gandolfo joyful forward of Pope Leo’s Mass

[ad_1] Forward of Pope Leo XIV’s go to and celebration of Mass on Sunday, the parish priest of St. Thomas of Villanova in Castel Gandolfo shares the thrill and religion of his parishioners.

By Sebastián Sansón Ferrari – Castel Gandolfo

Within the coronary heart of Castel Gandolfo, the papal parish of St. Thomas of Villanova has in latest days turn into a middle of gathering, religion, and repair.

The group is eagerly making ready to welcome Pope Leo XIV, who will preside over Mass on Sunday, July 13.

Talking to Vatican Information, Fr. Tadeusz Rozmus, the Salesian parish priest, stated the devoted, spiritual communities, and volunteers of Castel Gandolfo have redoubled their efforts in each logistical and non secular preparations.

“Each time the Pope comes, the city adjustments its face: it turns right into a celebration,” he stated with a smile.

St. Thomas of Villanova parish church is an architectural gem designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, commissioned by Pope Alexander VII.

The constructing, which handed from the Augustinian Fathers to the Salesians on August 7, 1926, stays, because the priest famous, a “lovely shared inheritance.”

“It’s similar to if you put together to obtain a visitor at house,” stated the Polish-born priest. “You clear, you arrange, you attend to each element.”

The bodily enhancements to the church embody the restoration of the papal coat of arms, technical changes to the church’s construction, and new lighting.

Measures have additionally been taken to maintain the environment clear and to discourage birds, with the help of Vatican places of work.

Past the renovations, the driving pressure behind these preparations has been the group itself.

The facade of St. Thomas of Villanova parish

“I used to be pleasantly shocked by how prepared so many have been to assist,” stated Fr. Rozmus. “For instance, a bunch of Opus Dei ladies got here from totally different locations simply to help. These are gestures that construct up.”

Younger individuals have additionally performed an important position, he added. “We completed the summer time oratory final week they usually instantly provided to assist with liturgical companies and crowd management. It’s great to see them so concerned.”

For the group, the Pope’s arrival is just not merely an occasion however an indication of unity because the Church seeks to implement the Synod on Synodality.

“We're experiencing an infinite reward,” he stated. “The synodal journey reminds us that we're a Church on the way in which, united regardless of a world so divided.”

Not too long ago, Pope Leo made an surprising go to. “He stopped the automobile and bought out to greet individuals. It was a spontaneous gesture, filled with tenderness. His smile, his closeness… that provides hope,” stated Fr. Rozmus.

In Castel Gandolfo, the place religion and nature are carefully joined, the parish of St. Thomas prepares to welcome the Successor of Peter with a spirit of household, hospitality, and gratitude.