Four young women—Francesca, Laura, Maria Grazia, and Nunzia—had long carried in their hearts a desire to live a consecrated life devoted to the Lord, spending their days in prayer, reflection, and service to those who seek them out. That desire has now become reality. They live together in a small community called Il Roveto, in a wing of Palazzo Ruscono Clerici donated by the parish of Nerviano. Alongside them live several caregivers who assist with their daily needs. These courageous young women are physically disabled, confined to wheelchairs for all their movement.
Under the spiritual guidance of Father Giuseppe Beretta, they pray and meditate together. They conduct research on sacred texts using computers—the only activity their physical condition allows them to pursue independently. They welcome children and adults who wish to visit, to speak with them, to listen, and to reflect and pray together.
Read also: A Gift of Poetry from the Friends of the Community "Il Roveto"
Maria Grazia was the first to feel this longing take root and grow within her heart. Living in a residence run by "Nostra Famiglia," she was supported by Fonos—the foundation wing dedicated to serving adults with disabilities—in making contact with other young women who shared her aspiration for communal life. Though bound in body, these four friends are nimble in mind and spirit. They have deepened their spiritual journey, which has led them, with their own incomplete autonomy, to this small community. Soon, in all likelihood, they will be formally consecrated to God.
On the door of their home hangs a mailbox where anyone—even without entering—can leave prayer requests for particular intentions. In these sorrowful times, we too would like to leave a prayer request there, for our country and for the whole world. For who better than they—Maria Grazia, Nunzia, Francesca, and Laura—to carry such petitions to Him?
- Tea Cabras, 2001
Address: Comunità "Il Roveto" - Via Pedretti, 5 - 20014 S. Illario di Nerviano (Mi) Tel. 0331-535018. Associazione "Amici del Roveto" - same.
Read also: We Four of the Community Il Roveto