Celenza Valfortore Dedicates Three Streets to Those Who Gave Their Lives for Others

Preserving the Memory of Lives Given for Others

It was truly moving to receive, as early as the beginning of May, the announcement of the resolution by the municipal administration of Celenza Valfortore, in the province of Foggia. Through the initiative of the mayor, Massimo Venditti, the citizens saw the fulfillment of a long-cherished dream: dedicating three streets to three children of this land who gave their lives for the good of others: Father Nicola di Iorio, Sister Giusy Lupo, and Antonio Cormano.

“Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature” (Mk 16:15). With these words, the Risen Lord entrusted the apostles with the universal missionary mandate, assuring them of his constant presence. These same words resounded powerfully in the lives of Sister Giusy and Father Nicola, worthy sons and daughters of St. Daniel Comboni, who gave their lives to the end in Brazil and Ethiopia. “For us,” reads the municipal resolution, “this is a just and necessary recognition of those who, in different times, places, and ways, sacrificed their lives for others.”

As members of the Comboni family, four of us sisters had the joy of taking part in this great event, celebrated in Celenza Valfortore on Saturday 16^th and Sunday 17^th August 2025. On Saturday evening, thanks to Sister Giusy’s closest friends, a Taizé-style prayer vigil was organized, with a large turnout from the parish community. It was an intense moment of remembrance and gratitude for the legacy that Sister Giusy left to her companions from her teenage and youth years: a missionary and Comboni spirituality lived with authenticity, which continues to bear fruit.

Particularly moving was the presence of many children who, though they never met Sister Giusy, proclaimed with enthusiasm and freshness her spiritual and missionary messages. These same messages, preserved by their mothers as a precious treasure, have become a guide for their lives. It was a moment that touched everyone: tears flowed spontaneously, not of sorrow, but of gratitude and renewed commitment to continue the journey Sister Giusy had begun as a child, with the desire to “always live as friends,” to the ends of the earth.

Equally moving was the presence of Sister Giusy’s parents, Pietro and Maria, who, with hearts full of emotion and tears in their eyes, sensed how their daughter continues to be a Comboni missionary even from heaven, touching hearts and igniting passion for the mission.

On Sunday morning, the entire community gathered at the Town Hall together with the mayor and the municipal administration. Accompanied by the town band, we processed towards the Mother Church, where the parish priest, Father Zaccaria – originally from Tanzania – presided at the Eucharistic celebration. In his homily, inspired by the Sunday Gospel, he invited us to keep the fire of Christ’s love always burning in the world.

The memory of Sister Giusy, Father Nicola, and Antonio Cormano – who gave their lives without measure for others – becomes for us an invitation to walk in their footsteps, ready to live for others so that the love of Christ may continue to overcome every resistance of death. Their witness is a source of abundant life: from heaven they remain present among us, who are baptised in his love.

The words of mayor Venditti were equally moving, as he recalled the sacrifice of Antonio Cormano. As a teenager, Antonio was called by friends to help rescue a companion who had slipped into the water. Without hesitation, he jumped into the lake to save him. Despite all his efforts, he was unable to bring the boy to shore, and both drowned. “An act of heroism that the community will never forget,” the mayor said.

We Comboni sisters also wanted to address two key words to the parish and local community: gratitude and blessing. Our heartfelt thanks go to all for this meaningful event, which culminated in the blessing of the plaques placed on the three streets – located near the homes where the parents of Sister Giusy and Father Nicola still live today – signs that their memory will remain alive in the hearts of the townspeople and the younger generations.

For us, this event is a true “blessing of God” for everyone. To remember Sister Giusy and Father Nicola means to continue to be a blessing, reminding us that wherever we are, we are called to speak well of God and to do good in his name.

This is the heritage we receive from them today and which we commit ourselves to pass on to future generations: to be strong in spirit, steadfast in the search for truth, persevering in prayer, generous in love for others, animated by compassion and solidarity, ready to give our lives – even to the point of dying – for Christ.

(Sister Tarcisia Ciavarella, Comboni Missionary)