Six Dehonian Communities Gather in Bologna in the Lenten Desert 2026
On Saturday, February 21, 2026, the four Dehonian communities of Bologna (Provincial Curia, Studentate, Nosadella, Tuscolano 99 Fraternity), the Modena community, and the Missionary Company gathered at the Studentate community in Bologna for the Lenten retreat, led by Sister Teresa Benedetta, Prioress of the Discalced Carmelites.
The theme was: “O happy fortune!”: A journey through the night of faith and love, with St. John of the Cross. His “dark night,” which lasted nine months in the Carmelite prison, shifted from an experience of great suffering and aridity to a beautiful and creative experience of love.
In her meditative sharing, Sister Teresa Benedetta commented on the two readings of the day, particularly the Gospel featuring the call of Levi and the statement: “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
After the table of the Word and the Eucharist, the day of recollection concluded around the table of conviviality with a delicious pizzata.
