In recent days the Bishops of Lazio went to St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, in what is known as the “Ad Limina Apostolorum Visit”. This significant “pilgrimage” began on Monday 18 March with the celebration of the Eucharist in the majestic St. Peter’s Basilica, the heart of Christianity.
The meeting of the Bishops of Lazio with the Prefects and collaborators of the Vatican Dicasteries was a moment of great importance, as communicated by Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, Vicar General of His Holiness for the diocese of Rome. It was an opportunity for ecclesiastics to confront the realities of the universal Church and to share the experiences of the particular churches of Lazio.
“It was a wonderful opportunity to be able, through their knowledge, to have a look at the universal Church”, underlined Cardinal De Donatis. “It was a true moment of communion and brotherhood, an authentic experience of synodality,” he added, highlighting the importance of open dialogue and mutual support between the Bishops.
The culmination of the visit was the Audience with the Holy Father, which took place on Friday 22 March, in which the Bishops had the honor of meeting Pope Francis. The meeting, marked by simplicity and fatherhood, allowed them to share their experiences and the challenges of their dioceses with Peter’s successor.
After celebrating Mass at the tomb of the Apostle Peter, the Bishops went to pray at the tombs of Benedict XVI, Blessed John Paul I and Saint Paul VI, thus testifying to the profound connection with the history of the Church and with his predecessors.
The territory of the Castelli Romani was best represented by its Bishops during this important visit. The Diocese of Albano was represented by the owner, Monsignor Vincenzo Viva, while Monsignor Stefano Russo represented the Suburbicarian Diocese of Velletri – Segni and the Tuscolana Diocese of Frascati, demonstrating the sense of unity and connection between the various ecclesial realities of the territory , after having become its owner in “persona episcopi” since last November.
The “Visit ad Limina Apostolorum” was therefore a moment of spiritual reflection, fraternal communion and connection with the universal Church, enriching the path of faith and service of the Bishops of Lazio and their Dioceses. Even more significant a few days before Easter…
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