On April 24, 25, and 26 the Italian Province gathered at the Provincial Office in Rome for an symposium on Venerable Giovanni Merlini, a close associate of St. Gaspar and the third Moderator General of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. The symposium was titled Venerable Giovanni Merlini: The Ability to Make Extraordinary, the Ordinary and the presentations explored how Merlini has had an extraordinary influence on the the Church, the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, and the Adorers of the Blood of Christ.
The participants of the symposium were welcomed by V. Rev. Terenzio Pastore, C.PP.S., Provincial Director of the Italian Province, followed by an opening session led by Seminarian Valerio Volpi who delivered a general introduction to the life of Merlini. Rev. Michele Colagiovanni, C.PP.S. then presented on the relationship between St. Gaspar and Merlini.
The second day of the symposium began with Sr. Nicla Spezzati, ASC. Sr. Spezzati is the postulator for the cause of canonization for Venerable Giovanni Merlini and she spoke of the Merlini’s ministry as Moderator General in the Congregation. Following Spezzati, Rev. Mario Proietti, C.PP.S. discussed the spiritual relationship between Merlini and St. Maria de Mattias, the founder of the Adorers.
Rev. Andreas Biaggi, C.PP.S. began the afternoon session with an examination of the Rule and Circular Letters of Merlini. Specifically, he dealt with how Merlini envisioned the community life within the Congregation. The day ended with Eric Strollo, a seminarian of the Italian Province, presenting the research he has done for his academic degree. His research is related to a small, but interesting issue in the life of Merlini. Merlini was the author of a small booklet on the subject of usury and Strollo explained how Merlini dealt with the issue with charity and theological acumen.
On the final day of the symposium, three Adorers of the Blood of Christ presented on the beatification process of Merlini and how the theological and cardinal virtues have guided his life. Rev. Domenico D’Alia, C.PP.S. ended the Symposium with a presentation on Merlini and the ministry of the Missionaries throughout Italy.
Following a musical performance by Blood Sound, composed of Missionaries, seminarians, and laity, the participants of the symposium gathered to celebrate the Eucharist which was presided at by Bishop Paolo Lojudice, auxiliary bishop of Rome.
