The Casa at Grottaferrata could not accommodate the increased number of general chapter members of 1970. No permit for a building (to connect two houses at Grottaferrata) could be obtained, and under Mother Gertrud Link, Sr. Christiana succeeded again in finding a new site.

By 1970 the new, larger Casa Santo Spirito building, on spacious grounds at
Via dei Bevilacqua 60, near Stazione Aurelia and the western portion of Rome’s Raccordo Annulare (ring road) was ready for the 1970 general chapter, at which our Temporary Constitutions were developed. Since 1970, our general chapters have been held at the Casa Santo Spirito regularly at six-year intervals.

Between them, the ample space was well utilized: for retreats, pilgrims, workshops on the Rule of St. Benedict, International Weeks of Encounter, junior sisters’ programs, initial formation during the 1980’s and 90’s, and also for meetings of other congregations. Serving guests and sisters on home leave/vacation challenges sisters of the community (international now, like the generalate) cheerfully to contribute extra hours in offering true Benedictine hospitality.

We praise the Lord at the Liturgy of the Hours with chants in Latin and Italian, and songs in our many languages at the Eucharist. We keep improving our communication skills patiently, thereby also giving witness to guests that persons from diverse nations and races can live together in peace as we joyfully follow Jesus.