Santa Croce in Gerusalemme: November 2006 Archives

Don Carlo's feast was November 4th, Saint Charles Borromeo. Don Carlo is Romanian; he made solemn profession at Santa Croce and was ordained a priest in 2004. Currently he is studying Canon Law. If you are ever in Rome you may see him in the piazza in front of Santa Croce where he has a very effective ministero del sorriso.

Don Martino, wearing the black beret, hails from Milano. He is among our venerable and cherished seniors. More than anything else he gives good example to his younger brethren by his exemplary fidelity to the common life.

Cistercian life at Santa Croce in Gerusalemme is never dull. There is always someone or something to celebrate!

November 10th, the feast of Pope Saint Leo the Great is the onomastico of my dear confrère and friend Fra Leone Maria. Fra Giuseppe Benedetto and I affectionately call him "The Lion." Fra Leone is one of the three founding fathers of our monastery of Santa Cruz in Guadalajara, Mexico.

At Santa Croce in Rome Fra Leone was charged for several years with building the presepio in the narthex of the basilica. Now, in Guadalajara, he is in charge of coordinating the construction of the new monastery. Not quite the same dimensions! Fra Leone shares my passion for Gregorian Chant. He plays the zither and enjoys listening to music too, especially Mexican Baroque. Pray for him!

Abramo, a native of Guadalajara in Mexico, began his novitiate on October 31, 2006 in the Abbey of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme in Rome.

Reverend Father Abbot Don Simone clothed Abramo in the white habit of the Cistercian novice and chose for him the illustrious name of Bernardo. Fra Bernardo is a gifted musician.

I will be for him both a mother and a father, both a brother and a sister. I will make the crooked path straight for him and the rough places smooth. I will temper and arrange all things that his soul may advance and his body not suffer. He will serve the Lord with joy and gladness. He will sing of the Lord, for great is the glory of the Lord.

Saint Bernard, To the Parents of a Novice