A Retreat Day for the Foundation Staff
On 18 July, the working group of the Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation gathered for its first-ever day of retreat, study, and reflection, held in the scenic setting of the Palazzola convent overlooking Lake Castel Gandolfo, near Rome. The initiative offered a valuable opportunity to take stock of the Foundation’s ongoing activities, recognize the individual contributions of team members, and strengthen a spirit of unity and shared purpose. Guided by President Paolo Garonna, Secretary General Oliver Galea, and Don Gianni Fusco, participants engaged in meaningful dialogue, highlighting the importance of solidarity and cooperative work—understood both horizontally and vertically—as a form of service to God. A key theme throughout the retreat was the continued relevance and dissemination of the Church’s Social Doctrine. Particular focus was placed on identifying today’s new “Rerum Novarum”: issues such as artificial intelligence, multilateralism, the promotion of peace, and interreligious dialogue. The day concluded with the identification of six guiding principles that emerged from the retreat and now serve as a foundation for future work: spirituality, collaboration, sharing, encounter, communication, formation, and active participation.