Quiet Italy

Looking out my front door a few minutes ago.

Dear Friends and Family,

Blessed second Sunday of Lent! Here, Italy has become very contemplative.... people say they have never seen the cities so quiet. Unfortunately, as you are no doubt aware, many dioceses in Italy have cancelled all public Masses from now until early April. A terribly sad situation, and not at all the way saints of the past have responded. If you are curious to see how St. Charles Borromeo responded, including calling for three public processions---so massive gatherings of people--see here: https://rorate-caeli.blogspot.com/2020/03/de-mattei-how-st-charles-borromeo.html .

But from the point of view of the contemplative life and study, the current situation is quite favourable. There is little external activity to report from this past week--all schools in Florence are now shut down and all public Masses are forbidden, even funerals! But it has been a fruitful week of study for me. Rather than write more at the moment, I would encourage you to take a look at the post about St. Charles Borromeo. May he intercede for all of us, and may Our Lady guide you as we enter the second full week of Lent.

In Cordibus Iesu et Mariae,
Fr. Pillari