Pope Leo kneeling before the altar at the Salesian Parish at Castel Gandolfo.
After a 13-year hiatus since the last papal visit, the parish of San Tommaso da Villanova in Castel Gandolfo was graced with a historic moment as Pope Leo XIV celebrated Holy Mass on Sunday, July 13. Entrusted to the pastoral care of the Salesians of Don Bosco, the parish welcomed the Holy Father with reverence and joy, marking a milestone in the community’s spiritual journey.
The Eucharistic celebration brought together prominent Church leaders, including Cardinal Michael Czerny, Prefect of the Dicastery for Integral Human Development, Bishop Vincenzo Viva of Albano, and Salesian dignitaries such as the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, and his Vicar, Fr. Stefano Martoglio. Parish priest Fr. Tadeusz Rozmus, fellow Salesians, youth from the Salesian Oratory, and numerous civil and religious authorities were also present.
In his homily, Pope Leo offered a powerful reflection on the parable of the Good Samaritan, focusing on the “gaze of the heart” — a way of seeing that is rooted in compassion and empathy. “The first gaze is the one God had towards us,” said the Pontiff, identifying the Good Samaritan as a symbol of Christ who heals wounded humanity with His love and mercy.
Amid a world “too often marked by indifference and individualism,” the Pope called for a “revolution of love,” urging the faithful to care for all those who suffer, regardless of nationality, religion, or background. “Healed and loved by Christ, we too become a sign of His love and compassion in the world,” he affirmed.
Following the celebration, Pope Leo presented Fr. Rozmus with a chalice and paten — powerful symbols of communion and fraternity. “These liturgical instruments are an invitation to live in communion and to promote the fraternity we find in Jesus Christ,” the Pope remarked.
Adding a personal and light-hearted touch to the occasion, the youth of the Salesian Oratory gifted the Pope a basketball, joking about a friendly match. The gesture was met with warm smiles, capturing the affection and vibrancy of the young Salesian community.
Reflections from the Rector Major
Later, speaking to Salesians at the Congregation’s headquarters, Rector Major Fr. Fabio Attard shared his reflections on the day. Highlighting the significance of the event, he expressed gratitude for the Holy Father’s presence, which reaffirmed the deep bond between the Salesian family and the wider Church.
Fr. Fabio noted a poignant detail during the Mass: the statue of Mary Help of Christians bore the image of the Eucharist on the chest of the Child Jesus. He interpreted this as a visual reminder of the pillars of Salesian spirituality — love for the Pope, devotion to Mary, and Eucharistic centrality.
In a personal exchange, the Rector Major assured Pope Leo of the Salesians’ unwavering fidelity, prayers, and support — a commitment echoing the legacy of Don Bosco. “Looking at the Pope, I could perceive the weight of the universal Church and the world that Pope Leo carries as the successor of St. Peter,” Fr. Fabio said, describing the moment as a call to renewed fidelity and mission.
He concluded by recalling the Pope’s message of the Good Samaritan: “We are called to see, to stop, and to act with compassion. This symbolizes the essence of a meaningful and compassionate life.”
A Day to Remember
The Pope’s visit to Castel Gandolfo will remain a cherished memory for the parish and the Salesian community. From the liturgical celebration to the gestures of affection and fraternity, the day encapsulated a profound sense of grace and unity.
For the Salesians, the event is a reaffirmation of their mission — to accompany and serve the young with a heart rooted in Christ, a spirit of communion, and eyes wide open to the needs of the world.
Courtesy: ANS and BOSCOM
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