I was immensely blessed to spend my summer ministry during the month of August at St. Immaculate and St. Michael Parish in Volla, Napoli. It is a metropolitan parish with nearly 3,000 families. The parish community is very warm and welcoming. The parish priest, Rev. Fr. Federico, and the assistant parish priest, Rev. Fr. Joseph, were very cordial, supportive, and welcoming. The parish staff, especially Enzo, Angelina, Rosaria, Graziella, Teresa, Maria, and others, were kind and always ready to help whenever I needed anything.
For me, it was truly an experience of God's blessing to celebrate Mass, hear confessions, pray the Rosary, visit families, and listen to the people. These simple pastoral activities gave me an opportunity to encounter people personally and to experience their faith and love for the Church.
A Well-Organized Parish
The parish priest, Rev. Fr. Federico, welcomed me warmly, accommodated me very well, and prepared a programme for my ministry. The parish is well organized and has many pastoral and charitable outreach programmes. I was especially impressed by the active involvement of young people. They are creative, energetic, and willing to cooperate in different parish activities. Through my conversations with families and parishioners, I came to understand how many spiritual, pastoral, and charitable activities are carried out under the guidance of the parish priest.
Encountering People and Their Faith
During my stay in the parish, my ministry was simple but very enriching. One of the most beautiful parts of my experience was meeting faith-filled families and listening to their family joys and challenges. I learned a great deal from their warm hospitality. I witnessed the warmth and generosity of the people of Napoli. They have a deep reverence for God and a strong respect for priests. Many times, their only request from a priest was a prayer and a blessing. This showed me how deeply their faith is rooted in their hearts.
Another thing that touched me was seeing many people, including the elderly, regularly coming to the parish. Their faithful presence and devotion were a beautiful witness to their love for God and the Church.
A Shepherd and His Flock
Overall, my experience was a great blessing, especially through my encounters with so many God-fearing people, particularly the elderly.
As the saying goes, “A good shepherd always cares for his flock.” Therefore, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the shepherds of this parish, Rev. Fr. Federico and Rev. Fr. Joseph, who carefully plan and faithfully carry out the pastoral programmes of the parish.
I am also grateful to all the parishioners who actively collaborate in the life and mission of the parish. A special word of appreciation goes to Angelina, who was like my guardian angel during my stay, always guiding and helping me. I am also grateful to Enzo, the parish secretary, who patiently instructed me and helped me understand many things about the parish.
I cannot forget the wonderful families who invited me into their homes and generously offered me food and hospitality. Their generosity was unforgettable! In fact, my weight increased by about 5 kg during August. My menu included various kinds of pizzas, cozze, spaghetti, pasta, pollo, frutti di mare, salmone, pesce, torta, gelato, tiramisu, and many other delicious foods!
Discovering Napoli
If Rome is an Eternal City, Napoli is a historical city, beautifully adorned with magnificent churches, rich traditions, and a unique cultural heritage. During my stay, I had the joy of visiting several beautiful and historic places, including Gesù Vecchio, Gesù Nuovo, Santa Chiara, Cappella Sansevero, Santo Domenico Maggiore, Santo Gregorio, Madonna delle nevi and, of course, Pizzeria Da Michele and the Parish Beautiful Cemetry. These visits gave me an opportunity not only to appreciate the beauty and history of Napoli but also to experience something of its rich Christian and cultural heritage.
A Blessing and a Celebration
Looking back on my summer ministry, I can truly say that it was a blessing and a celebration.
I am grateful to God for the opportunity to serve, pray, celebrate the Eucharist, listen to people, visit families, and experience their faith and hospitality. I carry with me many beautiful memories, new friendships, and valuable lessons from the people of Volla and Napoli.
Above all, this experience reminded me that mission is not only about what we give to people, but also about what we receive from them—their faith, love, hospitality, simplicity, and witness.
For all these blessings, I am deeply grateful to God and to everyone who made my summer ministry in Volla such a memorable and enriching experience. Once again a Big Thank you dear Fr Federico, Fr Giseppe and Fr Emmanuele.
in Christ,
d Naresh
