There is an atmosphere that, at times, becomes almost tangible: it is grace, the presence of the Lord who passes by and leaves our hearts filled, the Holy Spirit who moves our lives and arranges all things according to the divine will. This is what we experienced during the 6th Ordinary General Assembly of the Associated Servants of Suffering, held from 13 to 15 March 2026 at the Padre Pio Spirituality Centre in San Giovanni Rotondo. An event that was not merely a formal occasion, but a time filled with God, in which everyone felt part of something greater, culminating in the election of the new President and the new Executive Council.
Following a period of listening, prayer and discernment, in the presence of the Moderator, Fr Giuseppe Carrieri, Enrico Carnevalini, from the Rome Community, was elected President. Alongside him, the members of the new Executive Council were elected: Roberta Alfano (Naples), Maria Dolores Alvarez Valdes (Madrid), Stefania Bellavista (Rome), Giuseppe Clini (Pavia), Angelo Farinola (Molfetta), and Ignazio Floriano (Ruvo di Puglia). Davide Spalvieri (Rome) was appointed Secretary and Antonio Russo (San Giorgio Jonico) Treasurer. We have immediately entrusted these names and faces to the Lord, that He may guide, sustain and bring our Charism to fruition.
One of the most moving moments of the Assembly was the end-of-term report delivered by the outgoing President, Eliana Gattullo, which touched everyone deeply. Her words were not just a review of her term in office; they were a living testament to her faithful love for the Charism and the Family of the Servants of Suffering. We could see how much the Lord had worked through her service in recent years, during which she sought out and made numerous visits to the Communities of Associates around the world, leaving a mark of closeness and care wherever she went. It was during this time that she felt called to serve our Family in a different way: through consecration in the Secular Institute of the Servants of Suffering. This announcement was met with emotion and joy, as it recognises the subtle yet powerful work of God, reminding us that our vocation is an ongoing journey.
Led by Monsignor Carmelo Pellegrino, the Sunday catechesis was a valuable educational opportunity. Drawing inspiration from a homily by Father Pierino Galeone, he addressed the themes of service and the dangers of power. He reminded us of Jesus's criterion for discernment: to serve, not to be served, and to choose the lowest place, as the apostles did. This was a powerful and necessary reminder to preserve an authentic Gospel way of life.
In his inaugural address, Enrico spoke with disarming simplicity yet, at the same time, with a depth that could only come from someone with a genuine desire to follow Jesus by serving others. He reminded us that anyone who takes on a role within our family is called to 'lay aside the mantle of a member of their own community and don that of the community as a whole'. This is not just an image, but a concrete choice: to belong to everyone and carry everyone in one's heart without boundaries. He reiterated that this role is not a position of power, but a service. Everything we do, we do for Jesus, to serve him and the charism, according to the teachings of our father. Not for prestige or to be seen, but out of love.
Throughout the Assembly, we felt a strong presence of our Father. The charism he passed on to us continues to inspire and guide us, reminding us that obedience, humility and self-sacrifice have the power to transform the world. It was as though he were inviting us once again not to lose sight of what is essential: belonging to Christ and living in him.
Our experience does not end with an election. Rather, it is a new beginning and a renewed call for each of us to say 'yes' with greater awareness, love, and trust. In our hearts, a simple, radiant certainty remains: when we truly dedicate ourselves to serving the Lord and seek nothing else, He accomplishes great things.