When one looks around at the workings and movements, the comings and goings of the General Administration of our Congregation, everything seems to flow so smoothly! If you do not live on Via Nazareth, 400, you cannot possibly imagine all it takes to make this smooth flow possible! 

As a way of expressing our gratitude to our Sisters, we planned a weekend trip to Southern Italy, to climb a mountain, to explore an ancient buried/recently excavated city, to sample the cheese, and yogurt, and ice cream that comes from contented cows – or buffalos, to wander among ruins from another age, to amble through the crowded, winding streets of a small coastal town, and finally, to explore an enchanting island in the Mediterranean…all in one weekend!   

Our trip began on Friday, an overcast day – not the best day to climb and take in the view from the top of Mt. Vesuvius.  But, by the time we reached Naples, the sun was fully awake, and, as our bus began its ascent and we looked upwards, we gasped to see Vesuvius covered in snow!  It had snowed the night before we arrived, and even the service vehicles had chains on their tires to get to the top!  We were not daunted by nature's welcome, however, and most of us bravely climbed, slipping and sliding, to reach the summit.  The view was its own reward for our efforts. Standing on top of one of the world's five most dangerous volcanoes, watching the steam rise out of the crater, and knowing that Vesuvius is still active, but just sleeping! only added to the excitement of our conquest. 

Moving down, we met our guide, Antonio, who escorted us through the city of Pompeii, a visible reminder of Vesuvius' destructive power! Antonio took us back to the prosperous days of this great city and helped us visualize how people here lived before Vesuvius rained down the ash which buried the city and its people in 79 AD.  Excavations have uncovered beautifully preserved mosaics, paintings, and buildings. We ended our visit with Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Pompeii and then continued to our home for the weekend, the retreat center of Getsmani, run by the Oblates of St. Joseph in Paestum. 

Saturday, we visited a Mozzarella farm, most unusual in that its product comes strictly from the milk of buffalos. Mozzarella di bufalo must contain 100% buffalo milk.  We came face-to-face with these huge yet gentle creatures and learned how pampering these animals results in the absolute best mozzarella cheese, yogurt, and ice cream.  And there were samples enough for everyone.   

Being so close to the sea, we were drawn to its shores for a leisurely stroll and some shell collecting before we enjoyed lunch in one of the local restaurants. 

Returning to the retreat center, we enjoyed the gracious hospitality of the priests and sisters, had Liturgy and a tour and explanation of the artfully-decorated Church before departing on Sunday morning for Sorrento and Capri. 

The Isle of Capri lured the majority of the sisters, who after a brief boat ride, explored the picturesque island and meandered along its quaint streets, visiting shops and snacking on local produce. 

Upon our return to Sorrento, we took in some of the city sights and, all too soon, could hear the distant strains not of, Come Back to Sorrento, but, Come Back to Rome. Our weekend together left its imprint on our minds and our hearts. It was indeed good to be together! 

To the human eye, everything at the Generalate flows so smoothly – and it does! – but only because of the behind-the-scenes assistance from our sisters in the Generalate who have serviced us so well, and  in so many ways, during the past nine years of our administration.