On the afternoon of Monday 8 November, the Basilica had the joy of receiving a very welcome visit from the clergy of Messina led by His Exc. Giovanni Accolla, Archbishop of Messina-Lipari-Santa Lucia del Mela (Italy).
The priests accompanied by the Archbishop arrived in Pagani at 4 pm. After being welcomed by the Father Superior in the Basilica, they went to the chapel dedicated to the Doctor of the Church for a short personal prayer. They wanted to pay homage to St Alphonsus on the occasion of the itinerant retreats that the Bishop wanted for his clergy, touching on various aspects of priestly ministry.
After reciting Vespers, Father Sorrentino held a moment of reflection, with the message that Pope Francis sent to the Congregation on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of our Father and Founder as a Doctor of the Church in the background.
The brief reflection was intended above all to highlight Alphonsus’ ability to allow himself to be converted by reality for a more concrete approach in his pastoral work.
Then, Father Antonio Pupo, Provincial Archivist, introduced those present to the visit of the Alfonsian Museum. The Bishop and the priest, divided into two groups, visited the museum rooms and expositions, guided by Fr. Antonio.
The concelebration of the Eucharist in the Basilica presided over by Archbishop Giovanni sealed the afternoon of the welcome pilgrimage.
Fr. Gennaro Sorrentino, C.Ss.R.
