A small group of us traveled to France on September 29th to witness Robert Michit's ordination to the priesthood and to show him the affection and friendship of our entire community.
After careful planning, an uncertain departure right up to the last minute, and a journey full of wrong turns and happy reunions—of roads, cars, and people—we arrived almost perfectly on time: five minutes before the ceremony began, both our cars pulled up to the parish church in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, though from different directions.
The church was packed with friends and family. We took our place on the floor beside the altar, as we always do. Robert was moved by the moment, though he didn't let it show—he just smiled at us.
The ceremony was simple and stirring. Everyone participated with deep emotion. The whole church rang with songs led by Robert's friends, taking turns. Despite the language, we followed the rite. Robert's parents sat in the front row; children played near the altar as the bishop gave his homily.
After the ceremony, we gathered in the parish hall to celebrate the ...."new loss." Robert introduced us to his friends there—the welcome was warm and genuine. We even managed to meet an L'Arche community living just a few kilometers from Saint-Rémy.
The next morning, Robert celebrated his first Mass in his hometown parish in Gravaison. Beneath his green vestments, you could catch glimpses of the stole we had given him. He spoke in both French and Italian, saying among other things that he was not jealous of what he had received and wanted to share (*) it with us. (Those from Carpineto should read "co-share")
The drive home, at least until we wrote this account (we were at Ventimiglia), went smoothly enough.
Enrica, Roberta, Romeo, Alessandro, Federico, Pinino, Carola, Francesca, Maria-Teresa, Michele.