News From Ecuador
A Message from Fr. Alessandro (4 September)
Dear Brothers and Sisters of St Columba,
My time here is coming to an end. The “goodbyes” have started and there are
some tears but also smiles, full of hope, because it is not really "goodbye" but "see you soon". Today I went to visit the children in the welcome house and while I was there I thought about how they manage to always see reality in a very clear way, living in more freedom than we do ...
So I will share a prayer with you that I have written, it is a wish for me and for you dear community of St Columba:
"God our Father, teach us to see what life is really and teach us to be sensitive to
people around us. Give us the ability to work
freely in all our actions, always having You as our light.
Amen. "
In fiducia cordis,
Fr. Alessandro Renò
A Message from Fr. Alessandro (25 August)
Usually, it is said that it is when we give, we receive much more…And that it is
true. But in these days when I began
another mission among the poor, as you can
see from the pictures, I'm discovering that it is
not just this that enables us to receive than
to give, but it is giving without worrying about
what will happen tomorrow that enables us to receive a lot. I mean in everything
we do we need to hold total trust in God,
knowing that does not depend on me but on
him, that I am not "the saviour of the world" even
if I have a corresponsability in Salvation, but it
is always and only God the one, the Saviour,
the Love! It is he who leads our history dear brothers and sisters... So do not
worry about tomorrow, He is there just to love
us.... That our heart can live and not be
troubled unnecessarily.
Good Sunday and see you soon.
In fiducia cordis,
Alessandro Renò
A Message from Fr. Alessandro (19 August)
Dear Brothers and Sisters ,
The Lord is the one who does not care our sin ... He cares only to love us!
This was the basic message of catechesis I gave to young peo
ple last Sunday...
It was very nice, with huge participation by young people. The great miracle was to see so many young people receiving the sacrament of reconcilaition; it seems they understand that through this sacrament they do not receive a judgment but only a loving embrace.
Yesterday I met my bishop Mons. Lorenzo Voltolini together with the Vicar General, P. Geovanny Mera and we were in communication with Bishop Peter…I am very happy to officially start some collaboration projects; I will tell you more when I get back.
I am continuing to visit people and especially families of the affected areas… They are giving me the assurance that God is leading our lives with simplicity and patience and moves us toward that source to which we all long. As I was visiting, I remembered the words of St. John of the Cross: "By night we go in darkness ... Only thirst illuminates us" I wish you to "get thirsty" beloved community of St Columba ... Thirst brings us closer to God!
A big hug,
Fr. Alessandro
A Message from Fr. Alessandro
Dear parishioners,
I hope you are continuing to use these days to find time to have a good rest.
As the Pope says: "Rest is sacred and important because we are sacred and important to God's eyes".
I'm visiting the parishes of
the pastoral area where I worked
as a parish priest.
But this week in particular I
dedicated to youth ministry for which
I was responsible in the diocese.
Young people are the beating heart of
each particular Church...
In them I always find that joy, freshness...
and healthy irresponsibility that can push
to take the risk to compromise with God.
The next Sunday there will be the Diocesan
Youth Day, as every year, for young people from 16 to 25 years old and I've been invited to give catechesis on the theme that accompanied
the World Youth Day: "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy". I hope to convey to young people the certain tenderness of God who loves us so much from its bowels and wants nothing more than to love us.
I wish to you too, always remember that God is close to each one of us to give us his love.
A big hug to every one and keep your smile!
Fr. Alessandro
