"I am Don Rosario Pappalardo, a priest of the Diocese of Acireale in Sicily. I have been ordained a priest on January 4, 2020, during my stay and studies here in Pamplona at the University of Navarra. At the University of Navarra I graduated in Dogmatic Theology last year. And this year I started my first year of my doctorate.
Having the opportunity to continue my studies in a "foreign land" is a truly precious experience that not everyone has the opportunity to do. For all this, I clearly thank the Lord and, above all, each one of you who, with your generosity, assure me (assure us) that this opportunity will be realized concretely.
Is it worth it? Yes, it is definitely worth it. Personally, I experienced the joy and the difficulties of living these first years of my ministry outside my Diocese and I can say that the studies have indeed been an experience that has allowed me to grow a lot. The studies in Dogmatic Theology have been really fruitful and I continue with my commitment to finish my doctorate next year. I am sure that I will be able to treasure the fruits of my studies once I return to my Diocese. Moreover, one of the elements that cannot be underestimated is the many people, priests and non-priests, that I met during these years; getting close to cultures different from one's own is not only fascinating, but definitely enriches one's cultural and personal background.
I thank you once again and invite you to continue in this work. For my part, I assure you of abundant and constant prayer.
May the Lord bless us.
