In Detroit, to proclaim the gospel

Father Piero Masolo, PIME missionary, with a letter from him in October recounting his arrival in the States

Dear Friends,

here I am with some impressions of these first two weeks in the States.

We were welcomed by Fr. Daniele and the other confreres: I say we are because we traveled together with Fr. Alessandro. Nice to leave as two, and nice to be welcomed: it is not taken for granted, beyond formality, and there is a big difference between loving each other as brothers or just being brothers.

It is clear that one cannot expect to have deep relationships, or to be in tune with everyone, but when there is true friendship, I am convinced that the Lord is giving us a wonderful gift.

Home, at least for now, is PIME’s new headquarters, which is located 10 miles from downtown Detroit (that is 10 miles), surrounded by nature, in the town of Farmington Hills from where I write to you.

One only has to look around to enjoy the fall foliage: truly wonderful, with colors that enhance the beauty of creation, and temperatures often over 20°, which is a lot for Michigan this season! Plus, deer, wild geese and squirrels are at home both here and in area parks.

Coming here is a bit of a comeback for me: we had spent almost a year between Detroit and Ypsilanti (not far away) exactly 20 years ago to improve English, destined for the study of theology in the Philippines.

Many things have changed including Detroit: back then we rarely passed through it almost as if it were a black hole, today Motor City (the car city) has been completely renovated and it is a pleasure to walk downtown or by the river.

I have already been able to meet some of the friends from back then, with whom I have kept in touch over the years.

You already know how delicate this period is only a week before the elections: I am struck by the amount of advertising on TV and radio where every candidate (not only in the presidential, but also in the Senate and Congress) tries in every way to demolish the opponent, much more than to show the goodness of their proposals.

Each voter can vote for dozens of different offices: at the national level, at the Michigan state level (e.g., the Board of Education, the boards of various universities, and state Supreme Court justices), and locally (here for Oakland County). In front of houses, planted in the yard, are often the owners’ voting intentions, sometimes arranged among the skeletons, pumpkins, and cobwebs of Halloween, which is celebrated these very days as we visit our loved ones at the cemetery.

I embrace you, united in prayer

(Fr. Piero Masolo, Newletter October 2024)

Source and image

• spazio + spadoni
• Father Piero Masolo