TWO Italian priests have spent a month immersing themselves in Fenland life.

Don Carlo and Don Andrea, who both teach in a seminary in Padua, Italy, are staying in the presbytery in Wisbech at the invitation of Father Sean Connolly.

The connection was originally made by Deacon Secondo (John) Lucca, a long time Wisbech resident who with his wife Wendy retired to his home village in Northern Italy some years ago.

Don Carlo helps out in Secondo’s parish each weekend and has come to know some Wisbech parishioners when they have visited Secondo and Wendy at their Italian home.

While Father Sean has been on holiday both priests have helped out by saying Mass in Wisbech, March and Chatteris.

Father Carlo said: “It has been a real joy to come and live for a short time with the generous people of the Fens.

“We have been treated to several meals in parishioners homes and have visited among other places Cambridge where we punted on the river, Burghley House and also the shrine at Walsingham.”

Father Andrea said: “What a pleasure it has been to celebrate with Father Sean including the annual Mass at Wisbech Castle.

“We both hope to return some time to this very attractive area with its fantastic people.”