"I have to devote to health" The abbot of Montecassino resigns - The Republic

The man drove the Abbey of five and a half years. A few months ago of a heart attack with neurological consequences. “A very painful decision”

The Abbot of Monte Cassino, Sun Vittorelli Peter, 51, has resigned from his post. An obvious choice, for reasons of health. Was driving the famous Abbey in the province of Frosinone from just five and a half years. He had taken the place of Monsignor Bernardo D’Honorius, who became Archbishop of Gaeta. The decision was made official after long reflection and a letter sent to Pope Bergoglio, today accepted the resignation. The rumors about his abandonment were already circulated for several days, but had been denied by the Diocese of Montecassino. In the past few hours the announcement at religious and monastic communities in the Chapter House of the Abbey, which is now vacant.

“A very painful decision,” says those who at this time was close to the abbot. Just over a year ago of a heart attack with neurological consequences had forced him to a long hospitalization prior to the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, then in Switzerland, in a rehabilitation clinic. Six months away from his abbey, including the concern of the entire religious community in the area of ??Cassino. His return was greeted with great enthusiasm. But for Sun Vittorelli, who in recent days had participated in the ceremony in London for 60 / anniversary of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth, the commitments have proved too much and unsustainable, given his physical condition. And so he decided to leave.
Just as he did Pope Benedict XVI little more than three months ago.
“Ad

a year after the event that changed my life – Sun Vittorelli said, his voice breaking with emotion – I need to disclose my irrevocable decision to leave the post of Abbot O rdinary of the Diocese of Montecassino and to devote myself to the full rehabilitation of my state of health. I put in this time, all the effort in order not to miss guidance and service to this Church and to the monastic community. My health and the therapies that are required I do not allow me to continue on both fronts. “Into Many reactions to the news of the resignation of the Abbot of Monte Cassino, the number of messages sent to Dom Vittorelli. For the mayor of Cassino, Joseph Golini Petrarcone, it is “a choice of great courage that for this must be respected. With this decision, Dom Peter confirmed his great sense of responsibility, putting aside his personal interests to those of the Abbey of Montecassino and the Diocese. “And if by Senator Francis Scalia (Pd) the abbot was” a point reference “, the regional director Marino Fardelli (UDC), President of the Municipal Council of Cassino, Sun Vittorelli wishes” to be able to spend the foreseeable future in the most absolute serenity and rest, such as to ensure a more rapid healing. The community will be close to Dom Pietro in this difficult and delicate moment. “Impressed by the resignation of Abbot also the president of the Chamber of Commerce of Frosinone, Marcello Pigliacelli.” While trying so much sadness-commented – I understand the decision taken by the abbot , who has held his role with great courage, dignity, strength and honesty. “

Meanwhile, the Abbey of Montecassino comes as Apostolic Administrator Dom Augusto Ricci, Prior of the Sacro Speco at Subiaco and director of the state library the monastery of St. Scholastica in the town in the province of Rome.’s up to him now, lead the Diocese of Monte Cassino, until the appointment of the new abbot.