Nocturnal spiritual walk

(da S. Maria dell'Olmo – Thiene in S. Maria del Cengio – Vicentina Island)

Hi everyone. My name is Loretta Agnese Rita; I live in Thiene with my husband Luigi and our two treasures, Anthony and Vincent (twins of 8 years).

In early May, I was offered this nocturnal pilgrimage by my spiritual father, Brother Michele dei Cappuccini of St. Maria dell'Olmo, Thiene. The proposal fascinated me, I talked about it in the evening with my husband, which was initially not very inclined, but then he told me: "Yup, amore, come on… we never do anything; it could be a good experience!”

at 24:00 of 27 May we went to the sanctuary of S. Maria dell'Olmo, here we met between Michele and Ugo, a pilgrim like us.

At the 1st stage of the hours 01:00 there was a moment of prayer with other pilgrims, from Colceresa Molvena: Civil protection, Dimesse Sisters, the walking committee, the monk Dom Federico Lauretta of Padua (of Sicilian origins, this made me feel a bit at home) and other lay Christian pilgrims like us. They arrived with a super-equipped camper (much appreciated by my children), night driving, civil protection for safety… well… I didn't expect such a well composed organization.

The 2nd stop at 02:30 it took place in San Pietro di Marano Vicentino; set in a peasant courtyard there is a small church of 1400 that a kind lady opened for us for a moment of recollection and prayer. The P group. C. he offered us hot coffee, brioche, juice and water. We set off again towards the 3rd stage and at 04:30 we were at the little church of the Redeemer in Malo: here too a break for spiritual sharing and prayer.

They have always been very available to our needs; the children together with some friars and nuns fell asleep in the camper and in the meantime I got to know and chatted with Sister Lorella, she is also a teacher like me.

We left for the 4th stage. At 06:30 we arrived at the church of Isola Vicentina: prayer and songs and then walking towards the sanctuary of Santa Maria del Cengio, sticking out of the mountain like a little star (we all happy and anxious to be able to reach the summit).

There at hours 07:00, maybe a little earlier, we were greeted by Father Renzo, superior of the convent of the Servants of Mary; there was breakfast for everyone and a time of thanksgiving, receiving with great pleasure small souvenirs, specially created by Sister Rossella (the cheerful and courageous little nun) with whom I chatted most of the time spent together and for a stretch along the walk "towards God"!

This experience aroused strong emotions in me and a great desire to get closer to Jesus and to others. During these two and a half years, due to Covid-19, we have distanced ourselves from everything and everyone (perhaps also by Jesus and the Church); we were even afraid to greet people, we were all a bit prodigal sons. Here we understood that man alone is nobody. Union makes spiritual strength in Jesus the Son of God.

May the Lord of Merciful Love always be with us! Awesome experience!

Thank you.

Loretta Agnese Rita and Luigi with the twins Vincenzo and Antonio