Living the Nativity

On 13 December, the seminary community gathered for the monthly Christmas retreat, guided by Don Giuseppe di Virgilio, to whom we offer our heartfelt thanks for his profound reflections. This moment of prayer and recollection helped us prepare spiritually for Christmas through a profound meditation on Dream, Sign, Service, and Silence, inviting us to listen attentively to God and recognize His presence in daily life.

The reflection focused on the mystery of the Lord’s birth as a true history of salvation, rooted in simplicity, faith, and God’s faithful love for humanity. Through the genealogy and the Gospel narrative, we were reminded that God enters human history to bring salvation, fulfilling His promises and revealing His plan through concrete signs.

A central figure of the retreat was Saint Joseph, whose obedient and courageous “yes” to God exemplifies the unity of justice and faith. Trusting in God’s word—“Do not be afraid”—Joseph welcomes the divine plan and lives his spiritual fatherhood through total self-giving, teaching us to abandon ourselves to God’s providence.

The meditation also highlighted Jesus as Emmanuel, God-with-us, the fulfillment of Scripture and the supreme sign of God’s fidelity. The journey of the Magi was presented as a model of faith and mission, calling us to openness, joy, and evangelizing commitment in a changing world.

We concluded the retreat grateful for this time of prayer and renewal, encouraged to live Christmas in deep communion with Christ and the Church, following the example of the Holy Family in love, faith, and service.