The Lay Centre

16/06/2026

https://laycentre.org/community-evening-diary-witnesses-of-courage-sisters-during-the-nazi-occupation-of-rome/

The Lay Centre community gathered on Thursday, April 23, for an evening of dialogue with Sister Grazia Loparco, FMA, a Salesian Sister and History professor at the Pontifical Faculty of Educational Sciences “Auxilium.” Sister Loparco presented her extensive archival research into a lesser-known ...

15/06/2026

It was a joy to welcome Archbishop Samuele Sangalli, Adjunct Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization, for the celebration of Holy Mass and an evening conversation on the Church’s mission in today’s world to the Lay Centre ( Lay Centre )

In his homily, Archbishop Sangalli reflected on Jesus’ words, “I am the vine; you are the branches,” emphasizing that authentic Christian life is rooted in a living relationship with Christ. He invited the community to see even moments of trial and pruning as opportunities for growth, purification, and greater fruitfulness in the life of discipleship.

Following dinner, Archbishop Sangalli shared insights into the work of the Dicastery for Evangelization and the Church’s efforts to proclaim the Gospel across diverse cultural contexts.

More on our website: https://laycentre.org/

13/06/2026

https://laycentre.org/community-evening-diary-reflections-on-vocation-human-freedom-and-identity/

On April 15, Rev. Michele Gianola, undersecretary of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI), joined the residents to discuss discernment, followed on April 29 by Rev. Peter Lah, SJ, Dean of Social Sciences at the Pontifical Gregorian University, who addressed human identity in the digital age.

11/06/2026

As part of the ACCU (Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities) Rome Seminar 2026, participants engaged in an open dialogue with Fr. Andrea Bozzolo, SDB, Rector of the Pontifical Salesian University and President of CRUIPRO, and Fr. Mark Lewis, SJ, Rector of the Pontifical Gregorian University held at the Lay Centre.

Drawing on their experience leading two of Rome’s most prominent ecclesiastical institutions, they reflected on the distinctive of Catholic higher education in the service of the Church and society.

The conversation explored the challenges and opportunities facing universities today, the formation of future leaders, and the importance of fostering intellectual excellence rooted in faith.

The University presidents attending were invited to consider how institutions can contribute to a culture of dialogue, accompaniment, and responsible leadership in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

03/06/2026

29/05/2026

What a memorable musical evening at the Lay Centre! 🎶✨

We were delighted to welcome members of The Hillbilly Thomists for a truly unique community evening filled with music, joy, and fraternity.

Among those with us from this band of 8 members were Fr. Austin Litke, OP and Fr. Peter Gautsch, OP.

Rooted in the rich traditions of bluegrass, folk, and country music, their performance brought warmth, laughter, and a beautiful spirit of community to the evening. More than a concert, it was an encounter of faith, friendship, and shared joy — one that reminded us how music has the power to bring people together across cultures and vocations. 🪕🎻

We are grateful for this unforgettable evening and look forward to the release of their upcoming sixth album!

26/05/2026

WALKING TOGETHER: BUILDING LEADERSHIP,
DIALOGUE, AND ENCOUNTER!

https://laycentre.org/summer-lay-leadership-program/

The Summer Lay Leadership Program is a week-long residential leadership formation experience in Rome designed for emerging Catholic lay professionals from around the world. This immersive program helps participants deepen their understanding of leadership as a vocation rooted in baptismal co-respons...

25/05/2026

Shedding light on the theme of , discernment, and our personal call to mission, Fr. Michele Gianola, Undersecretary of the Italian Episcopal Conference and Director of the National Office for the Pastoral Care of Vocations joined us for our community evening stirred with reflection, dialogue, and shared listening.

In his homily, rooted in the Gospel of John (the Gospel of the day), he explored the deep contrasts that shape our lives — light and darkness, and falsehood, salvation and judgment, inviting us to recognize life as a journey of discernment among these contrasts, where every choice quietly shapes who we are called to become.

We then had a time of with him, where he shared reflections on the meaning of our vocation, reminding us that each calling is unique and requires courage, discernment, and deep roots in our baptismal identity, leading us always toward a life of service — to God and to others.

He was also generous in offering us unique gifts - notebooks with meaningful quotes on mission, along with prayer cards.

24/05/2026

"the Spirit of the risen One is the Spirit of peace ...the Spirit of the risen One is the Spirit of mission:...the Spirit of the risen One is the “Spirit of truth..whom the Lord himself promised us, asking for the unity of his Church — a unity founded on the love of God, the source of our love." - Pope Leo XIV

Adsumus Sancte Spiritus. Kindle in our hearts the fire of your love.

Happy Pentecost.

21/05/2026

Sr. Oonah O’Shea, NDS, President of the UISG, together with Sr. Roxanne Schares, SSND, Executive Secretary of the UISG, joined the community for an evening of prayer, reflection, and fraternal sharing.

✨The evening continued with a rich conversation centered on , co-responsibility, and the witness of consecrated life in today’s Church. Drawing from their experiences as religious women and their work within the International Union of Superiors General (UISG), the sisters reflected on the importance of laity and religious women walking together in the life and mission of the Church.

Know more: https://laycentre.org/

✨Sr. Oonah shared about her years of ministry in the Philippines and her collaboration with Vatican Dicasteries in safeguarding, migration, education, and communications. Sr. Roxanne reflected on her decades of missionary service in Kenya, particularly in the formation of religious sisters, the education of young girls, and accompaniment of refugees.

Through their witness, the sisters revealed the many ways the Gospel is lived through service, collaboration, and faithful accompaniment — reminding all present that every vocation contributes to the life and mission of the Church.