His visit to the Lady of Mentorella was for us entirely likely, though not expected so soon. At present, we are two Resurrectionist religious serving at the Sanctuary, and it was our privilege to receive this Guest.
We didn’t have much time to dedicate to preparations, but there was no need for anything extraordinary beyond ensuring the decorum and cleanliness of the place — a duty that is part of our daily routine.
Rather, we focused on preparing our interior disposition and the readiness of our hearts, so that we might fully experience the closeness — however brief — of the Successor of Peter. I believe that even the thought of such an encounter stirs in each of us countless, uncontainable emotions. We, Fr. Damian and I truly lived this experience. From the very moment of his arrival and the first embrace, there came a succession of gentle emotions — a sense of closeness and affectionate warmth.
It was this that helped us remain hospitable and natural in the presence of such a special guest. We looked on with admiration at the composure and spiritual authenticity of the man who humbly wore the garment of the Shepherd of Christ’s Church. Patiently and with sincere interest, he listened to our accounts of the sanctuary’s history, all the while remaining in that state of recollection and prayer with which he had begun his pilgrimage in the footsteps of his predecessors, Saint John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI.
The reason for his visit to the Sanctuary of Mentorella was to quietly and peacefully present to Almighty God — through the hands of the Divine Mother — his supplication for the gift of reconciliation and peace. With this intention, he lit a candle at the feet of Our Lady.
In that moment, we felt the weight of the responsibility entrusted to us: not only to pray for peace but also to carry peace to others.
I hope that these words have allowed you, even if only in some small way, to partake in the spirit of this historic moment — for us, the blessing of hosting the Vicar of Christ. And the blessing we received, we now share with you.
Our Lady of Mentorella awaits you.
Fr. Adamo Dźwigoń, CR
