It was a stirring, communal, and international beginning—one that mirrored the journey of a synodal Church walking together. The official opening of the International Congress of Canossian Lay People, held on Saturday, 12 July at the Generalate House of the Canossian Daughters of Charity in Ottavia, was a heartfelt success.
Following a welcome by Rosanna Immamura, International Coordinator of the Association of Canossian Lay People, the gathering was inaugurated with a keynote address that reaffirmed the essence of Canossian identity in today’s world—an invitation to embody it with fidelity and a spirit of service.
Mother Sandra Maggiolo, Superior General of the Canossian Daughters of Charity, offered a profound reflection on the Canossian charism and the centrality of love in its mission.
“Dear friends,
what joy to see you gathered here today. You are not merely participants in a long-awaited Congress—you are part of an experience that touches the heart, ignites the spirit, and rekindles the desire to journey together with passion and faithfulness.
In an age so often marked by isolation and fragmentation, to come together from so many parts of the world, with diverse languages, cultures, and origins, is a powerful statement: it proclaims that fraternity is possible, that the Gospel is alive, and that the charism of Magdalene continues to speak through your lives.”
To be a Canossian Lay Person, she continued, means precisely this: to be light and salt in the world.
“This Congress, taking place after nine years, is a time of grace—a moment for listening, for deepening bonds, for drawing new inspiration… and above all, for rediscovering together the beauty and strength of the Canossian lay vocation.
The chosen theme—‘With Magdalene, pilgrims of hope in the world’—has never been more timely or urgent. We live in a world marked by sweeping change, fragility, and loss, but also by a deep yearning for light, meaning, and shared journeys.”
Mother Sandra went on to say that the greatest challenge of our time is “to educate, to form, to accompany the vulnerable, and above all, to bring love—especially where love is absent.” Quoting St. Magdalene of Canossa, she reminded the audience:
“Never grow tired of loving. Love first.”
Following practical announcements from Rosanna Immamura, the floor was given to Father Carlo Bittante, Superior General of the Canossian Sons of Charity. His words recalled the example of Magdalene and the necessity of walking together:
“You have come from afar, after long journeys. Spes non confundit. We are pilgrims in search of light. Magdalene served the poor, and ignited hearts with the warmth of love and the fire of education.”
He also spoke of Argentina—a nation both present at the Congress and the homeland of Pope Francis—emphasizing the universal heart that beat within the hall:
“We come from many nations, from all corners of the globe. I invite you: get to know each other, speak, share. Even if we do not share the same language, the language of smiles and embraces is universal.”
A moving video presentation followed, showcasing Canossian Lay People from around the world, accompanied by a heartfelt thought for those who could not attend due to visa difficulties. Each participant then introduced themselves in their own language—a moment of rich and fraternal communion.
The “Canossian Anthem” was then sung, filling the room and met with a long, enthusiastic applause.
In the afternoon, the participants gathered at the entrance of the Generalate House, bathed in the light of a warm summer breeze. From there, they processed to the Parish of Santa Maria Maddalena. Leading the way was a wooden cross—simple, as is the Canossian way of life. The procession passed through the quiet streets of Ottavia, a Roman suburb nestled in nature, accompanied by song and prayer.
The destination was a contemporary, textured church—a space bathed in light from artistic stained glass and raw wooden elements with an almost industrial character. There, the community gathered in reverence for the celebration of Holy Mass—a fitting culmination to a day rich in spirit, emotion, and shared faith.
The Holy Mass, celebrated by Father Carlo Bittante and concelebrated by the Canossian Fathers and the priests of the Ottavia community, opened with hymns beautifully rendered by the choir of the Parish of Santa Maria Maddalena, followed by a moving dance performed by an Indian Canossian Lay Woman—a powerful symbol of a Church and community truly international and multicultural in spirit.
At the heart of Father Bittante’s homily was a profound meditation on hospitality, tolerance, and charity, even towards those perceived as “enemies.” Drawing from the parable of the Good Samaritan, he invoked the words of Pope Francis, who urges Christians to see moments of trial not as insurmountable burdens but as opportunities for spiritual growth and transformation.
Father Bittante also invoked the luminous example of Saint Magdalene of Canossa, who, in her unwavering love for God and neighbour, embodies the very essence of the Samaritan spirit—a living model of active charity, ready to stoop down and tend to the wounds of humanity.
The day concluded with a communal dinner held at the Oratory of Santa Maddalena, where families from the diocese warmly welcomed the lay participants, as well as the Canossian Sisters and Fathers. With heartfelt joy, they shared stories of their commitment to the local community—a living testimony to the love of Saint Magdalene.
