top of page

Simeone

A religious vocation at fifty years of age it’s been tough for Mr. Enzo Cilento, a former professional journalist from Rome, Italy.

He felt the “call” on 2011, he sold his house, and got a Catholic consecration as a monk 3 years ago in 2015, committing to the principles of poverty, chastity and obedience.

He chose the name of Simeone as a monk, because like this old Jewish man, mentioned on the Luca’s Gospel, he recognized Jesus as the Messiah and its life was then accomplished.

But after a couple of experiences in monastery with other monks, he could not feel welcome; every monastery and order of friars has its own hierarchy (some of them accept only men under 35 years old), and it’s not easy for a man of 50 years to accept it and to be accepted.

So, following Saint Francis’ steps, he drove to Umbria and found a good spot for him in Rocchette Sabina, a semi-abandoned village, on the border between Lazio and Umbria, in the Apennines mountains of central Italy. 

He’s a free spirit, who finds happiness in solitude, which helps him to fully enjoy the Faith. 

“It’s like a battery that needs to be recharged before energies can be shared”.

bottom of page