Manziana

We arrived in Manziana on Sunday afternoon after an hour's drive from Rome with the Marists and Marianists brothers; there are 16 Marists and 5 Marianists men here for the spiritual renewal program. After unpacking our bags we had a social before a light dinner that evening. It was great meeting the brothers from all over the world. Sharing our charism and histories of our congregations is so enriching and gives me a breath and depth of our ministries in the Society of Mary. We began this week with orientation - getting acquainted with the residence and having a tour of the city; places like post office, bank, stores, bus and train stations. This morning we began sharing our personal histories of our vocations and ministries. The staff includes Bros. Des Howard from Australia and Bro. George from Chicago and Fr. Rob from Australia. The staff began the rounds of personal history this morning. I will be sharing my personal journey with two other Marist brothers this evening before evening prayer and dinner. It is an enriching experience for me to be here and witness the lives of these brothers. Photo of Manziana taken from the roof top of the residence. The weather is getting colder in the mornings and early evenings; rained for the first time on Thursday and today at noon; hopefully the weather will be fine tomorrow when we will take a bus tour of Lake Bracciano and towns near Manziana. Sunday will be a free day and the five of us may take the train to another town about an hour's train ride from Manziana.