THE RICHLY BLESSED POOR SISTER OF ADDICTS | KAIROS GLOBAL | NOVEMBER 2023

Author: Vincy Stephenson

Intro: Vincy Stephenson writes about the founder of the Cenacolo Community, who passed away in August 2023, Mother Elvira Petrozzi.

Rita Angese Petrozi was born in 1937 in Sora, Italy, to a family of seven. The family was poor and Rita always learned to seek divine providence in times of hardship. While World War II was raging, Petrozzi's family fled to Alexandria. ‘Holy Cross of God, do not abandon us!’ This was a prayer Rita’s mother would pray often whenever poverty hit them the worst. It became one of Rita’s driving forces all through her testing times. 

They managed to live in a tiny house as migrants because people disliked giving good provisions for families with more children. But every time she could see there was someone going through a reality just as theirs. Her mother made it a point that the children practise the virtue of generosity. Once, when they had some cherries, her mother told her, ‘Remember Rita, that all mouths are sisters! You can’t put something in your mouth without giving something to someone else.’ She practised this all through her life. ‘It is when we give to others that we become a universal family who together and in truth can pray, Our Father,’ she said. Though her childhood was one of trials and hardship, it taught her Christian values and the ways to perceive life no matter what. 

Bound by the Heavenly Father’s Boundless Love

In her childhood, Rita had a God encounter where she deeply experienced the love of the Heavenly Father. She came to know God, and started trusting him for everything in her life. This encounter gave her the light to see everything in life through the Father’s eyes. Although she went through many trials, she always reflected on the Lord's goodness. She said, ‘I’m convinced that there is no kingdom more fascinating, greater, more amazing, or richer than the heart of man. To serve is truly to experience the privilege of reigning!’

The University of Life 

Her experiences with her own father, who was an alcoholic, gave her insights to help those suffering from addiction. ‘My father would get drunk every so often and this would cause judgments, shame, humiliation, and difficulty that all seemed useless sufferings. But now I understand that God has also guided my life through the fragility of my father. In spite of everything, my teacher of life has taught me what it means to sacrifice. He made me understand what humiliation was. Today I feel that I am truly a free woman, aware that in us there is a continual resource of the love of God that permits us to rise to every situation. I am not ashamed to say that the fragility of my father was my first university…my “School of Life”… to learn to stretch out my hand to him and others fragile like him… He was the first poor, broken person that I had to welcome, love, and serve.’ she said. 

The Call

Though she fell in love and had dreams of marriage, at the age of 19, Rita received an inner calling for something big – a call not to love just one person but many. Following this instinct, the only anchor of the family left home to join a convent. 

All Set to Make a Difference! 

In 1956, she joined Sisters of Divine Charity along with serving as a caregiver at a nursery. She took the name Elvira. Later, she set out on a greater mission, reaching out to young people fallen prey to drugs and alcoholism, who wander aimlessly unable to find meaning in life. This inner call led Sr Elvira to something beautiful and impactful. In light of this, she laid the foundation for the ‘Cenacolo Community,’ a network of communities that provide rehabilitation and support to individuals struggling with addiction. Her life was marked by a profound commitment to serving those who were caught in the cycle of substance abuse, offering them a path to recovery and spiritual renewal. She brought light to many young lives. It was a place of rebirth and shelter from the streets.

The community served as a refuge for addicts and their families, providing them with healing and hope. It also allowed them to delve into their spirituality through prayer and meditation, with a goal of aiding the recovery of victims. Sr Elvira's approach was unique, combining therapeutic methods with a strong emphasis on prayer, communal living, and meaningful work. As part of their efforts to rebuild their sense of purpose and self-worth, the residents of the Cenacolo Community engage in a variety of activities, including farming, cooking, and crafts. 

Sing, Dance, Celebrate…

On 3 August 2023, Mother Elvira Petrozzi left for her heavenly abode after completing her entrusted mission in this world. She was 86. Shh….! No crying now! Yes, for many of us for whom she is known, this would have been heart-breaking news. But this was what Sr Elvira wanted of us on hearing about her passing away, ‘When they say: “Elvira has died!,” you must sing, dance, celebrate… because I am alive! Woe to you if you say: “Poor her” No, not at all “poor her”! I will go on calmly and sing, I'm already singing! Something magnificent will open wide before me… life doesn't die!’ This is the way she prepared her collaborators and the young people of the Cenacolo Community for her passage into eternal life.

Finding Peace and Purpose

Mother Elvira Petrozzi's life was all about pleasing the Creator, for her nothing else was important. Now she is remembered as a pioneer in the field of addiction recovery. Though she faced many challenges on her way, she decided to remain steadfast to her call and mission. She brought light and hope to many lives. She showed the world that it is possible to overcome addiction and find a new life. It shows us the profound impact one person can create with her personal Jesus-encounter experience, and bring real difference in the world. Her life and legacy still continues and remains as a good reminder for us to act on our God-entrusted missions. 

No matter what life throws at us, let’s decide to make a difference in others’ lives in our own ways, all for His greater glory!

A Wake-Up Call!

Sr Elvira’s story serves as an inspiration to us all, to be a beacon of hope and a guiding light for those who are lost. Especially for those under the grip of drugs and alcohol. According to reports, the number of drug abuse cases in India has increased since 2021. As a result, socioeconomic conditions such as violence, sexual abuse, exploitation, and unemployment are also on the rise. A ‘drug epidemic’ is spreading like never before, destroying many beautiful young lives. The prime intention of those working behind this mafia is to destroy the future of the nation – the youth! Even public schools have turned into a breeding ground for addicts! Knowingly or unknowingly, the concerned are silent to take an action against this evil, which is spreading like wildfire.

It’s now a wake-up call for all of us! We must remain vigilant to protect our children, teens, and youngsters from falling victim to the clutches of drug cartels. Additionally, we must extend our support and guidance to those who have already fallen prey to the perils of drug abuse and alcohol, aiding them in their journey to recovery. Let's draw inspiration from Sr Elvira to take rightful action to combat the scourge of drug addiction and become beacons of hope for others, no matter what life throws at us! In our efforts to make the world a better place, we should act compassionately, without judgement, offering spiritual guidance, counselling, practical assistance for those in need, and most of all, interceding fervently. Let us be an example of strength and courage in the face of adversity. Even a small gesture can bring a profound impact!

Vincy Stephenson is a content writer and translator by profession. She lives in Trivandrum, India with her husband, Sybin and their three children.