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A tense dispute over winemaking at an isolated Italian convent has left a senior nun feeling dejected.
Aline Pereira Ghammachi, a Brazilian-born mother superior, was appointed to assist the financially struggling Monastery of Saints Gervasio and Protasio in Vittorio Veneto, northern Italy, in generating revenue.
The Prosecco Venture
Upon her arrival in 2018, Mother Aline introduced several innovative ideas, including instructing the traditionalist sisters to begin producing and bottling their own Prosecco.
Resistance from the Sisters
The convent houses a group of nuns belonging to the ancient Cistercian Order, which predominantly avoids engagement with the outside world. As a result, the sisters were hesitant to break away from their longstanding customs.
The Final Straw
When Mother Aline was photographed holding a bottle of the sacred Prosecco alongside the local mayor at a charitable event, it proved to be the last straw. In 2022, four of the nuns took the bold step of leaving the convent and writing a letter to Pope Francis. In their letter, they accused Mother Aline of breaching their cloistered principles.
The Aftermath
After a prolonged back-and-forth that spanned two years, it was revealed on Easter Monday, the same day Pope Francis passed away, that the mother superior had been dismissed.
Mother Aline shared with local media, ‘Two years ago, some of the sisters sent a letter to Pope Francis accusing me of mistreatment. Initially, the accusations were dismissed, thanks to the testimonies of other nuns and various interventions. In the meantime, certain dynamics have shifted, and on Easter Monday, I was relieved of my duties.
A New Chapter Begins
The Traditionalist’s Return
The monastery, situated approximately 40 miles north of Venice, is now under the guidance of an 81-year-old traditionalist. It is anticipated that she will dismantle the entrepreneurial initiatives introduced by Mother Aline.
The Dispute Persists
However, this alteration has not quelled the conflict. Five loyalists of Mother Aline have departed in search of a new abode in protest of the recent developments, asserting that it is far from the will of God.
The Sisters’ Defection
One of the defectors stated, ‘The atmosphere in the monastery had become intolerable, prompting our decision to leave. We sought refuge in a secure and protective environment. Some of us contacted the police to avoid causing alarm and to prevent any attempts to locate us.
The Vatican’s Intervention
In an attempt to restore tranquility, the Vatican has appointed a pontifical commissioner and advisors.
Meanwhile, Mother Aline intends to seek divine guidance and consult with legal professionals to determine her next course of action.
She remarked, ‘I pray for the truth to emerge, for the love of God and the mission we undertake. We had always been a united group, with a singular purpose: to aid the community and support the monastery. The decision was sudden, and thus far, I have not witnessed proof of any failings or faults on my part.’
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