The congregation of St Albert of Trapani, in Randazzo, Sicily, is unusual in being an Italian language Anglican congregation. Our priest, Fr Giovanni LaRosa, in the tradition of our diocese, continues to build ecumenical relationships in the area.

Recently, he invited a Ukrainian Orthodox priest, Fr Apollinare, who is based in Catania, and Fr Antonio Cavarra, the Roman Catholic Secretary for Ecumenical Activity from Syracuse, to Randazzo for a time of prayer and reflection on the war in Ukraine, and the response of Christian people.

Another ecumenical opportunity happened on 13 March, when the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Catania, Luigi Renna, sent his Deacon, Carmelo Patronaggio, to come and address the Anglican congregation on the ministry of Deacon.

The diaconate is understood to have the potential for being a way for love and unity to be expressed between Christian confessions.

The congregation in Randazzo was joined at this meeting by the Chaplain of Holy Cross, Palermo, Fr James Hadley, and the locum Chaplain in St George’s Taormina, Mr Sue.

It was an important ecumenical occasion for all three Anglican congregations on the island of Sicily.