Inauguration of the newly renovated Monastery of Santa Maria a Ripa, Empoli, Italy
It is a great pleasure for us the Carmelites of Empoli community, Italy, to inform you that we have inaugurated the newly renovated Monastery on the 5thof December, 2015 at 17.00. His Eminence Card. Giuseppe Betori had kindly consented to be the Chief Guest at the inaugural ceremony. His Eminence arrived at 17.00;the Parish Priest Fr. Donath together with the community Fathers and the faithful welcomed him. After the short prayer in the Church, Fr. Edwin welcomed the Cardinal with his flowery, refined, elegant Italian. He also thanked the Cardinal on behalf of Karnataka-Goa Province for his financial help in the renovation of the Monastery. His Eminence in his address thanked the Carmelites and Fr. Donath, the present Parish Priest for the service in building the Parish community. He also thanked the parishioners for their continuous support and help in all the ventures of the parish.
After his address, Cardinal was escorted for the housewarming of the renovated Monastery. A short prayer service was heldon the first floor of the Monastery followed by blessing and cutting of the ribbon. His Eminence also made a short tour of the Monastery. The first half of the housewarming celebration with the Cardinal and the parishioners ended with refreshments.
The second half of the celebration was intimate. It began around 19.00. The Carmelites from Rome and around made it a point to come for this celebration. We had also the pleasure of having Indian Sisters belonging to Ursuline congregation. The celebration was a grand success with the delicious, mouthwatering, sumptuous dinner prepared by Fr. Elias. The Empoli community would like to thank one and all for the prayers and good wishes.