On February 23-27, 2019, members of the General Curia visited Naples, Italy, for their annual outing.
Some 26 friars were hosted at the evocative Monastery of Camaldoli, located on the highest promontory of the hilly Neapolitan suburbs. With the help of four different specialized guides, the friars took in various sights: the Duomo of Naples, the Treasury of San Gennaro, various works of Caravaggio, the National Museum of Capodimonte, the San Severo Chapel with its Veiled Christ statue, the Santa Chiara Monastery with its Majolica Cloister, other churches and palaces, as well as the streets and corners typical of such a history-steeped city.
The program was enhanced by two particular excursions, one to Pompeii, to its archaeological excavations and Marian Shrine, and the other to Caserta, to the Bourbon Royal Palace.
Special thanks to the friars of the Province of the Seraphic Father St. Francis in Italy (Naples), who collaborated with Friars Simone Schiavone and Maurizio DI PAOLO in planning the program and accommodations, for the abundant and welcome refreshments at the friaries of San Lorenzo Maggiore and Immacolata Concezione della B.V.M. al Vomero.
Friar Maurizio DI PAOLO, OFM Conv.
