Hello from Cadenabbia, Lago di Como, Italy.
Greetings from Ascension Anglican Church, Cadenabbia, Como Lake, Italy.
I’m taking care of this parish for six months having arrived Holy Week, and here for a total of 6 months. My stay concludes in October 2022.
The parish is 131 years old and located on the waterfront across from the ferry that goes to Bellagio. It is the only English-speaking congregation on the whole of Como Lake.
I recently found myself opening a birdcage with three doves inside, for a couple to release who had just had their Marriage Blessing at Ascension Parish presided by Bishop Toma of The Syriac Orthodox Church in London, UK. It is traditional to do this at such a Blessing. I just hope the doves found their way home. This time here has been an experience.
What I enjoy most is that I’ve have come to know most of the proprietors and staff at the local ‘bars’ (Italian name for cafés), and restaurants along this western side of the lake near Cadenabbia. I was moved when a Turkish man who is assisting at one of the restaurants told his wife, who is one of the cooks, that I was his first friend since arriving in this part of Italy. He too is trying to build on his Italian as am I.
From my daily walks along the lake, stopping for a café macchiato, connecting with the folks I’ve come to know, chatting with tourists at tables, it has reinforced for me that being present is to be a face of the church in a very touristy area. It is a way to break through some of the stereotypes people have about the church and priests, creating opportunities to engage on matters about the care of our world as folks tell me about their lives and the concerns they have about their countries and their issues. While my Italian is improving, I thankfully have been able to at least get all the basics down of greetings and friendly chat, so that is coming along.
I leave the church open during the day and sometimes I’m there when visitors pop in to see what’s inside this big church across from the main ferry terminal. I have been privileged to to hear them speak about important matters that are going on in their countries including some folks visiting from Syria and Ukraine.
So, I’m still able to wear my ‘Justice and Peace’ hat, sharing experiences from our diocese and Canada and hearing how people in other lands are contributing to the common good. The parish now has a working group planning for September of next year, 2023, for a Holiday-Retreat: ‘Celebrating the Gifts of Creation -New Eyes for Seeing.’
We will be visiting and hearing about places where there are sustainable environmental practices on land and sea. There will of course be lots of time for people to gather and meet new friends, reflect, share in liturgy and wonderful meals…gifts of the land.
More about this to come. Please keep an eye out for it if it something you might consider or share with others.
If anyone is visiting this area it be wonderful to meet you. A note to other retired clergy: for your consideration this parish and others in the diocese of Europe from time to time, need other priests to come and serve, so glad to tell anyone more about this.
My email: priest.cadenabbiachurch@gmail.com
Website
Facebook: Church of the Ascension Lake Como
IMAGES
- The doves about to be released at the Marriage Blessing
- A view of the shore of Cadenabbia with Church of the Ascension located in the middle of the buildings on the shorefront Photo: DofNW Communications Archives
- Margaret in the chancel
- Cappuccino from a favourite ‘bar’ (café) along the lake
- Ascension Anglican looking across Lago di Como to the mountains behind the lake.
Photos: Courtesy of Margaret Marquardt except where noted