On October 21, 2024, a singular and original contemplation initiative called the School of Silence began at the Conventual Franciscan San Giacomo alla Lungara Church and Rectory in Rome.
The School of Silence is based on the writings of Romano GUARDINI, who teaches one how to look at everything in the world with an eye toward learning what is indispensable and not to teach the world, but to let the world teach you. This philosophy is the foundation of the School of Silence, which assists both believers and non-believers in recognizing and affirming their dignity as human beings created in the image and likeness of God.
From these motivations, Sister Marisa BISI, the foundress of the School and a member of the Daughters of the Cross, began her journey in Rome in 1956, with several groups of people. She established a private association of believers that embraced an ecumenical approach, focused on nurturing faith or exploring the search for faith.
The School in Rome, which already existed in other locations, began its activities at the initiative of Professor Yvonne DOHNA SCHLOBITTEN, who teaches theory and methodology of contemporary Christian art history at the Pontifical Gregorian University, along with Professor Ezio BUSSA and in collaboration with the friars of the community.
Meetings are held both in-person and online twice a month for one hour: on the first Monday if the month, from 1:00-2:00 p.m., and on the third Monday of the month from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., concluding in June of 2025.
The School offers a comprehensive, personal, and communal journey to explore what silence is and how its practice can help us better understand our true selves. The course is open not only to priests and religious men and women, but also to individuals from various professional backgrounds. Meetings include readings from biblical texts and the Church Fathers, along with connections to great artists and their works, which bring the reflections during the course to life. These sessions are interspersed with moments of silence and contemplation.
Among the figures highlighted, preference is given to those who have encountered the Absolute in silence: Jacob, Elijah, Jesus, and Saints Augustine, John, Paul, Francis, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, and others. Notable artists include Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Giotto, Bernini, Van Gogh, Pozzo, Bosch, Rouault, Sidival, and many more.
This commendable initiative has engaged the members of the community and, together with the lay participants, has shown them the gift of faith that one can experience in companionship with the Transcendent by “listening to silence.”
Friar Paolo FIASCONARO, Chronicler of the San Giacomo Friary
