The Joy of Easter

As the adage goes “Old is Gold”. Indeed, reside with old wise men and you will get all that pertains to life; structurally, emotionally, spiritually, historically and economically these people are gurus, well informed in their own spheres of life. This Easter season I got a chance to visit an old age house in Napoli (Naples) at Santa Maria Avico. It is an Oblate community composed of old Oblate priests who have been servants and soldiers of CHRIST for years and years. To my surprise these Oblates are still fresh in mind though physically they are deteriorating; some are in the wheel chairs, some walk but with difficulties. However, amid all these physical challenges they are happy and grateful in their conditions, praising and proclaiming the risen Christ. What an experience!!

This is a community that is composed of about 16 Oblate priests among them two are shepherding the Basilica della SANTISSIMA ASSUNTA of Santa Maria Avico. A community that is well organised in every sphere of Oblate life and Rules. Prayer is the priority for these Oblates. I was amazed by some of them, when by 6:20 am, half of them were in the chapel meditating before the normal Morning Prayer which begins at around 6:45am. This is followed by breakfast before embarking on the day to day activities. The routine of the day was morning prayers, breakfast, work, midday prayers, lunch and mass in the evening. To my amazement all were present during these community activities: Prayers, meals, gathering.

The apex of my staying in Napoli was culminated by the tradition of the Naples’ celebration of the paschal mystery: the passion, the crucifixion and the resurrection of our lord Jesus Christ. It was well organized with long procession that took about four hours traversing the whole city of Santa Maria Avico, with the statues of our mother Mary, Jesus Christ, a band of musicians etc. It was well organized, planned and inundated with prayers and solemn songs. The event was superb and uplifting.

In conclusion I had a chance to visit the bridge called il Ponte della valle that, St Eugene De Mazenod visited when he was 16 years old. It was a special moment for me to step where the founder stepped when he was still young, while he was on the move seeking asylum during the French Revolution.

By Moses Owino Odhiambo

(In first year theology at International Oblate Scholasticate Rome )