Mother Maria Grazia Girolimetto, the abbess of the Benedictine monastery on San Giulio Island, received the 44th International Catholic Culture Prize on October 3. Because the abbess lives in cloistered seclusion, a delegation from the School of Catholic Culture in Bassano del Grappa traveled to the monastery on Lake Orta to present the parchment and medal during a private ceremony.
A Departure From Tradition for the Prize
The ceremony marked the first time in the history of the award that the presentation took place outside of the customary public evening event in Bassano del Grappa. David Bozzetto, president of the school, noted that the change in venue was necessary to respect the nature of the recipient’s vocation. "A life of enclosure is not interrupted to receive an award, because its strength lies precisely in stability, silence, and total dedication to God, far from the world’s spotlights," Bozzetto explained.
The Distinction Between Mutism and Silence
During the visit, Mother Girolimetto participated in an interview with Professor Silvano Petrosino of the Catholic University of Milan, focusing on the spiritual significance of silence. The abbess distinguished between silence and mutism, describing the latter as a "spiritual illness" characterized by a refusal to communicate.
"If mutism is the absence of the word, silence is a presence," Mother Girolimetto stated. She argued that true silence is a form of internal space that allows individuals to host others, rather than a method to fill voids or avoid self-reflection. According to the abbess, silence serves as the "custody of the word," suggesting that meaningful speech must emerge from a foundation of deep listening.
Perspectives on Contemplative Life
Addressing the role of monastic life in modern society, Mother Girolimetto rejected the idea that contemplatives exist in a world disconnected from reality. She defined contemplation as a way of standing before reality to become available to encounter God, rather than an attempt to escape daily fatigue or unforeseen events.
The abbess also commented on the church’s approach to evangelization, emphasizing that faith is spread through attraction rather than proselitism. "We don’t so much need to talk about God, but to show the beauty of belonging," she said, noting that credibility for religious life is rooted in personal truth rather than an appearance of perfection.
Upcoming Presentation of the Interview
The recorded interview between Mother Girolimetto and Professor Petrosino is scheduled to be screened on November 27 at 8:30 p.m. in the Sala Martinovich in Bassano del Grappa. The event will feature Professor Petrosino and Professor Ornaghi, the president of the Jury.
Why the Award Ceremony Moved to San Giulio
Why was the award ceremony held at the monastery instead of the usual venue?
The ceremony was moved to the island of San Giulio because Mother Girolimetto is a cloistered nun who does not leave her monastery. The organizers chose to travel to her to maintain the integrity of her commitment to silence and stability.
What is the core definition of silence according to Mother Girolimetto?
She defines silence as the "custody of the word" and a form of presence. She suggests that one can be silent while filled with internal noise, or speak frequently while maintaining a deep, inner silence that creates space for others.
What is the intended purpose of the upcoming November 27 screening? The screening in Bassano del Grappa is intended to share the abbess's reflections on silence and beauty with the public.
"That silence frees us from the pretense of explaining, measuring, and controlling, and restores to reality its deepest dimension, which is that of mystery."