The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is the day that, by tradition, marks the beginning of the Christmas season. This feast commemorates one of the dogmas of the Catholic Church. The dogma was proclaimed by Pope Pius IX in 1854, specifically through the papal bull *Ineffabilis Deus*. With this dogma, it is officially affirmed that Mary was never stained by original sin.
We arrived at the convent on the evening of Saturday, December 6. As soon as we passed through the gate leading to the herbal shop, an incredibly magnificent sight suddenly enchanted us, stopping us in our tracks as if we were soldiers standing at attention. Everything was too beautiful, too rich, too radiant. Never before had we seen decorations at the convent that were so refined and harmonious. Elegant garlands lined the roofs, glass ornaments, clusters of beads, golden and silver decorations set against a brilliant blue, and lights—lights everywhere.
Then our eyes fell upon the large blue crystal tree, crowned with a single great white star of light at the top, built entirely by Fra Elia.
Sunday, December 7
Today Fra Elia and the friars were working in the former stable to adorn the seated Madonna with Child with a magnificent royal veil. Meanwhile, the herbal shop, transformed into a Christmas market, proudly displayed angels and cherubs, and products from the convent such as oil, sauces, jams, honey, and much more. In addition, in the old tool warehouse just a few meters from the herbal shop, Fra Elia prepared another large Christmas market for us. On the stalls there were embroidered tablecloths, original handcrafted items, artistic gift packages, ancient Bibles—truly a wonderful surprise. Helping with the sales were some friends from Bergamo. The joy of the people was clearly visible under the sun peeking out from behind the small clouds.
After the 5:00 p.m. Mass, there was the inauguration of the beautiful large Nativity scene which, among a thousand lights, completely filled the center of the cloister. Many of us gathered around this masterpiece, walking slowly under the portico to enjoy every detail, while traditional Christmas music went straight to our hearts.
And finally, before saying goodbye, there was another pleasant surprise: Fra Elia came out of the refectory smiling, carrying a large tray, followed by our volunteer girls, equally well supplied. The dishes had already been prepared with every possible delicacy, as the saying goes, and all that remained for us was to enjoy them and thank Fra Elia for his wonderful hospitality.
Monday, December 8
These very long days spent among prayers, smiles, markets, meeting kind new people, and above all alongside Fra Elia and his friars, completely renewed us. There were no thoughts beyond that state of grace which most of those present could feel. When we try to recount our experience at the Convent of Calvi back home, we cannot fully describe what our souls received. One must experience it personally in order to understand.
The solemn Mass began at 10:30 a.m., accompanied from songs and guitar sounds. The church was full, with the main door wide open to allow the Mantellati to enter in rows of three up to the altar. There was a beautiful homily by Don Marco and a catechesis by Fra Elia.
In the middle of the liturgy, a ceremony led by Fra Elia took place. Moving among those present, he chose the new Mantellati—women and men whose hearts he had recognized. No one can put themselves forward; only Fra Elia can choose.
After this final moment of emotion, there were applause, expressions of gratitude, and farewells.
