November and December were months marked by various opportunities to strengthen relationships among community members at The Lay Centre. After an intense October, full of activities surrounding the Synod on Synodality, the community organized events focused on faith, charity, and fellowship.
On November 13, a Pizza Night in the neighborhood provided an informal yet important opportunity for community members to connect after a busy season. The following day, we put into practice the gift of hospitality by welcoming a group of delegates from FADICA – Catholic Philanthropy Network, the leading association of Catholic donors in the U.S.
They had a retreat morning at The Lay Centre, led by Sr. Nathalie Becquart, XMCJ, Undersecretary at the Synod, followed by lunch with the residential community. The morning began with Mass, presided over by Fr. Paul Berè, SJ, a professor at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome.
On November 20, The Lay Centre community invited Fr. John Dardis, SJ, to preside over Mass and lead a session focused on collective self-reflection, offering an opportunity for an initial evaluation of the time spent together thus far. He guided each community member in making a thoughtful consideration of how they can continue to strengthen their shared journey.

The month concluded with several other significant events. On November 22, the community participated in a prayer experience with the Little Sisters of the Lamb at Santi Quattro Coronati, which included Adoration, prayer, tea, and conversation.
On November 26, we joyfully celebrated the completion of Lay Centre alumna Loredana Fabijanić‘s doctorate. And on November 27, a simple Thanksgiving gathering allowed us to express gratitude among ourselves.
On November 30, The Lay Centre hosted the Dies Academicus 2024, a valuable opportunity for our community and friends in Rome to engage in meaningful intellectual dialogue. This event featured presentations by several of our community members, each sharing insights into their academic studies and research.
- ‘Do we need to build bridges?,’ by Karina Gandur
- ‘Community as a Heritage,’ by Luiza Della Giustina Da Correggio
- ‘The Consequences of Not Rhyming,’ by Joshua Pyle
- ‘Prevention: a way to build a safer Church,’ by Sara Staiano
- ‘The Catholic Church and International Law,’ by Lourdes Spossito
On December 4, our community focused on the theme of “missions” with a special guest, Sr. Raina Mousa, MCCJ, a Comboni missionary from Egypt currently pursuing Safeguarding studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University. Sr. Raina shared her profound experiences from mission work in Africa, inspiring us to embrace our calling as lay missionary disciples and encouraging each of us to live out our faith through service and commitment to others.
On December 11, we gathered for a Community Evening before the Christmas break, honored by the presence of Fr. Francisco Martins, SJ, who had led our retreat in October, for the celebration of the Eucharist.
Each Saturday throughout Advent, our community gathered to pray the Liturgy of the Hours in our chapel, lighting the candles on the Advent wreath. To conclude this period, on December 13, we held our End-of-Year Christmas Celebration with the Community, Staff, and their families. This was a special time for us to come together and share holiday greetings before the close of the calendar year 2024.

Charity Initiatives
As we continue to grow in faith, work, and gratitude, our community has engaged in meaningful conversations about new ways to assist those most in need. True to our mission, we continue supporting the charity initiatives of the Navicella parish (Santa Maria in Domnica). A small group of Lay Centre residents gathers every other month at the supermarket to purchase essential items for the poor, which are then delivered to the parish.
This year, the community hopes to expand its involvement in charity initiatives by partnering with the Sant’Egidio Community and other Church organizations.
On November 6, Augusto D’Angelo, a professor of Contemporary History at the university of “La Sapienza” in Rome, and a member of Sant’Egidio, shared a powerful testimony of service and hope in the city. He inspired us with his dedication and invited our community to join their efforts.
Contributed: Malena Lanzetta
Photos: Karina Gandur