We come together for the Eucharist in English on Sundays and major holy days and generally have a reconciliation service during Advent and again during Lent. We are not a parish, but rather a multi-cultural community of sojourners who are based in Rome, but travel frequently. The majority of our community members have worked on several continents, often for decades. About half the community members are religious women and men from a variety of congregations, universities, and church organizations. We bring together, on any given Sunday, people from twenty different countries. As well as the Catholic members, we welcome a variety of fellow seekers from other faith communities who enrich our spiritual journey. These include sisters and brothers from other Christian traditions, including Orthodox, Anglican and Protestant as well as those of other religious traditions: Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu. Nearly all the community members are adults. In addition, each week we welcome many English-speaking visitors and pilgrims to Rome.
As well as sharing an always nourishing and often innovative Liturgy, the major concerns of the community include ecumenism, inter-religious dialogues, liturgical developments, social justice and peace-building, mostly in third world countries. We have a team of four priests who share responsibilities for celebrating the Mass, and a few committees that take up other necessary tasks. We have a small group of presiders and other members of the community that meet four times a year to keep track of tasks, organize schedules and faciliate communication within the community.
As well as sharing an always nourishing and often innovative Liturgy, the major concerns of the community include ecumenism, inter-religious dialogues, liturgical developments, social justice and peace-building, mostly in third world countries.
We are women and men:
• who experience life as God’s gift and self giving,
• who listen to and give witness to the Word of God,
• who value friendship,
• who are committed to ecumenism and inter-religious dialogue, to social justice and peace building.
( From a Mission Statement or Self-Description of the Caravita Community)