*These events took place in September 2025.
*This post is very long, so if it is cut off, be sure to click “View Entire Message” at the end.
“Some souls just understand each other upon meeting.” – N.R. Hart
I want to introduce you to my friend, Carlos. He is a Saint…or at least on the path to be one.
While we were in Florence, James, Ingeborg, and I spent a beautiful afternoon with Carlos, who is from Togo and studying to become a priest in the Congregation of the Augustinians of the Assumption. He was the perfect host – making us espresso and crêpes and giving us a tour of his community and church.
Carlos and I met in 2022 in an Italian language class here in Florence, and we’ve stayed in touch ever since. Recently, he sent me two videos from Rome, where he had the opportunity to see Pope Leo during the Jubilee celebration. What an incredible experience for him!
When Carlos first began his journey toward the priesthood, his first assignment was to become fluent in Italian. When we met, he spoke only French, and I spoke only English. Despite the language barrier, we became fast friends. In the beginning (and honestly, still sometimes), our conversations were a lively mix of charades and Google Translate. I’m not proud to admit that my Italian hasn’t improved much, but I am very proud to say that Carlos is now fluent! Bravo, Carlos! He has also studied Greek and Latin, and his English continues to improve every day.
During our visit, Carlos showed us around the grounds and explained what daily life is like in the community. He even graciously answered all of our crazy questions about what it is like to live a monastic lifestyle.
He lives with nine other men who are also studying for the priesthood. They rotate cooking duties, and apparently Carlos is quite the chef – he cooks two days a week. After tasting his crêpes, I can confirm they were delicious.
He also showed us a map of the regions where the Augustinian Order serves around the world. I asked if he gets to choose where he’ll go after ordination – and where he would choose. Without hesitation, he said Boston, Massachusetts. Selfishly, I would love that. It would make visiting him so easy! (I did gently remind him to keep working on his English if he is moving to the US someday.)
On Monday, September 29, Carlos officially began his theology studies as he continues on his path to the priesthood. He has four years of study ahead and will graduate in 2029. I like to tease him that I’m convinced he will become the first Pope from Togo. We must remain friends, of course – it’s on my bucket list to meet a Pope! And perhaps he’ll absolve me of all my sins, so I have a straight shot to the pearly gates. He just laughs.
All jokes aside, it was truly wonderful to see him in person again. He radiates peace and joy. He seems deeply content with his decision to dedicate his life to service in the Order of Saint Augustine. That kind of clarity and commitment is inspiring.
Thank you for a lovely afternoon, Carlos. 🫶
Much love & gratitude. Namaste 🙏
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