Elizabeth Young rsm, 6 October 2024
Ah, the last gelato in Rome… We began today (Sunday) with English-speaking Mass at the Caravita. It was a beautiful space of communion, with chairs facing each other and a welcoming feel. The priest did an incredible job at making sense of the readings – or finding ways to hear even when things don’t make sense at some levels. Just like the Synod – he suggested that people find themselves experiencing the vertigo of a precipice, not sure if they are going to fall or fly. But we need to hang on to the process, trusting in God.
At the end of Mass we had a chance to meet some more Synod members, and one I talked to prayed for their ability to hold on through the vertigo and hear the Spirit together. From there we walked back home to a pizza lunch and our closing retreat. It was a chance to share things that had touched us about the week’s pilgrimage, to sing, pray and hug our goodbyes. Our indigenous sisters chanted us out with words of being humble before God and all the plants and animals.
From there, half of us walked back to Santa Maria Maggiore where the Pope had invited Synod members and others to pray a rosary for peace. Due to the limited seating, we weren’t able to get inside, but stood in the plaza to join him in prayer. At the end he came out to wave to everyone – which I am sure will be my last time. Peace is so sorely needed at the moment and I hope the Spirit gifts these prayers to the places most in need, to join the swell around the world.
At the end, we bumped into more Synod members and my countries today included Singapore, the US, Australia, Japan, Syria and a South American country. The last one we were privileged to meet was a permanent deacon of the Greek Melkite Church, who also asked for prayers for the Middle East and his family. Other prayers were that we keep following the way of Jesus and that we keep discerning and trusting the Spirit. Amen to that!
So arrivederci to Rome and grazie mille to everyone who made it happen! God bless and God speed to all those traveling home. Brought to you by the last gelato: chocolate and coffee. Mmmm…
Liturgy on the Margins 
It may be your last gelato and you may be having vertigo on the side of a precipice, but what a wonderful journey of faith and experiencing the workings of the grace of the Holy Spirit. I feel more on the precipice with or without the vertigo! It may be arrivederci Roma but it is G’day from Australia.
Shalom Michael
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