Alessio Avancini
My name is Alessio Avancini. I was born and raised in Venice, Italy, and I am now a postulant at the Franciscan friary of Trois Rivieres. I grew up in a middle-class catholic family, and I have been blessed with strong faith and Marian devotion. I studied anthropology in Sydney, Australia, where I had the opportunity to study the culture and lives of Australian aboriginal populations, both in urban and rural settings. This experience taught me the importance of understanding and respecting different cultures, without which there can be no dialogue.
I went on to my graduate studies, where I specialized in Chinese culture, language and politics. After a thesis on the evolution of traditional symbols and regalia into modern-day’s marketing and branding, I was granted a master’s degree and the opportunity to complete an internship at the Asian headquarters of an Italian fashion label in Shanghai, China. At the time, China’s economy was booming, and the demand for luxury goods was huge.
While my career was rewarding and gave me the chance to meet wonderful people and experiences, I felt that I was not putting the gifts that God had bestowed upon me to good use. I then began volunteering for charity organizations, working on campaigns and fundraisers to help the many people left behind during China’s rapid social and economic transformation.
During this time, I also lectured master students at a prestigious Shanghai university and appeared on TV as a current affairs commentator, contributor and host. I was blessed with a wonderful career, even though I never felt called to marry and have a family. So I started exploring a religious vocation with the Dominicans in Hong Kong, who welcomed me with open arms and were my first introduction to monastic life. This experience taught me the importance of community life, and while I did not feel I was the best fit for the Dominicans, I treasured the time I spent with them and the friendships I have made.
After years of working hard in Shanghai, I was blessed with the opportunity to immigrate to Vancouver, Canada and start a new life. It was not easy to start all over without any friends. Nevertheless, I was warmly welcomed by my parish priest, our Franciscan brother Paul Smith, and his wonderful parishioners, who soon became like a family to me. During five wonderful years in Vancouver, I also volunteered at a soup kitchen and shelter for the homeless in the infamous downtown East Side. Words cannot describe the human tragedy and sadness I have experienced there, such as when parents came in with pictures of their missing children. While it was a difficult and demanding environment, it taught me the importance of making people feel welcomed and loved, even if only for a moment.
Five years ago, work took me to Toronto, and my focus was my career and volunteering activities, and my discernment of religious life took a pause. Again, I met many wonderful people there, including many devotees of the “Communion and Liberation” movement. Everything went well up until the pandemic hit. I took some time off to be with my parents, and it was a unique experience. I felt as if I had travelled back in time to my childhood. Spending time with my family gave me the necessary strength, love and confidence to re-ignite my search for a religious vocation. Upon my return to Canada, I was in touch again with the Franciscans and Paul Smith, who encouraged me to continue my discernment with the support of the discernment team.
I decided to apply to join the Franciscans in Cochrane in August 2023, and during the year thereafter, I made every effort to deepen my spiritual life and prepare for postulancy. I was blessed to have the rector of Toronto’s St. Michael’s Basilica as my spiritual guide, and I joined countless spiritual retreats to strengthen my faith and relationship with God.
Alessio together with Brothers Aimé, Dan, and Pierre in Vancouver.
Postulancy began in September 2024, and once again, I met wonderful people, this time in Trois Rivières. I volunteer at a soup kitchen for the poor and work with adults with physical and mental disabilities at L’Arche who create artwork to sell and support the organization. It has been very rewarding to be with wonderful and inspiring people.
The worst moment of my postulancy was when the church adjacent to the friary burned down, and we watched helplessly while the flames engulfed the beautiful historic structure. Even during this sad time, calls, texts and emails kept pouring in, asking if I was OK and if people could do anything to help us.
The best experience during my postulancy was visiting the friars at the infirmary in Montreal. I did not know most of them, but they welcomed me with joy and love, as if I was their son, and they shared unforgettable words of support and inspiration for my journey to become a Franciscan. Their smiles, prayers and kind words will always stay with me, and I will remind myself of them every time I feel down.
Let me also take this opportunity to wish you all Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! God bless each and every one of you.
