Father Michele Sega, 29, a parochial vicar at a parish in the United States, recalls several highlights from a retreat organized by the Neocatechumenal Way with around 800 priests from North, Central, and South America. Among these highlights are their participation in the Pope’s general audience and a four-day mission in Italy, traveling in pairs and without money.
By Debora Donnini – Porto San Giorgio
They set out with trepidation in their hearts and many questions, but returned filled with joy—the kind that only the experience of God’s love can bring into one’s life.
The approximately 800 priests from North, Central, and South America, still gathered in Porto San Giorgio for a retreat organized by the Neocatechumenal Way, shared their experiences from the mission they carried out in Italy over the past few days.
They had set out last Saturday, June 20, with backpacks on their shoulders, traveling in pairs without money or cell phones. They journeyed to cities across various regions—from Piedmont to Sicily, passing through many towns in Sardinia.
All they carried were their onward and return tickets, a Bible, and a rosary. Upon arrival, they first asked for the blessing of the diocesan bishop and then met with local parish priests.
The Lord did not fail to provide them with opportunities to proclaim the Gospel, said Father Michele Sega, 29, who went on mission to Catania, in an interview. Ordained just over a month ago, he now serves as parochial vicar at a parish in Miami, United States.
He said that this experience has enriched his ministry, because they went just as Jesus sent His disciples—without money, without anything.
For the most part, these priests—who come from across North, Centre and South America and were formed in the Redemptoris Mater seminaries—experienced a warm welcome throughout this missionary journey.
Last Wednesday, at the conclusion of this evangelizing experience, they took part in the Pope’s general audience and, in the afternoon, concelebrated Mass at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica, presided over by Archbishop Javier Del Río of Arequipa.
To seal these intense days, on Friday, June 26, the priests concelebrated Mass in the Basilica of the Holy House in Loreto.
Archbishop Fabio Dal Cin, Archbishop-Prelate of Loreto and Pontifical Delegate for the Shrine of the Holy House, addressed them: “Renew your priestly promises,” he said, “drawing strength from Mary’s ‘yes.’”
Presiding over the Eucharistic celebration was Archbishop Del Río, who urged them above all to trust in God: “The world needs priests who make present Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who gives His life for His sheep.”
