What are the reasons for this change? First, the Rector Major and the General Council are aware of the need for an international community at San Callisto with confreres coming from all over the world. These are appointed by the Rector Major himself through his Vicar. Direct knowledge of the needs of the community and contact with all the Provinces will make it easier to find confreres. There is also the question of contact with the Vatican authorities, on which the catacombs depend, and this requires direct reference to the Rector Major.
From 17 to 22 October, Fr Francesco Cereda, Vicar of the Rector Major, made the canonical visit to the community. He met the guides who serve the Catacombs and saw for himself the large number of pilgrims. This community carries out an important pastoral work. They meet children and young people, Christians from other denominations, fervent Catholics, and people who come into contact with the Christian faith for the first time or after a long time. In concluding the visit Fr Cereda told the confreres: "this community and its work are a great gift for the congregation, but also a challenging responsibility".
