Father Marco Innocenti: 25 years of Priesthood and Mission among the Gumuz

The Eucharistic celebration, animated by the parish choir and several Comboni Lay Missionaries from Tuscany, was the highlight of the gathering. It was an opportunity to raise a hymn of thanksgiving to God for the wonders the Lord has accomplished through Father Marco’s missionary service among the Gumuz people, whom he has served for no less than 23 years.

Among the many signs and gestures, we would like to recall a few.

First of all, Father Marco began Holy Mass by thanking those present, first and foremost his parents, who had found it difficult to let their only son leave, but who had gradually become increasingly aware and convinced that, in God’s way of seeing things, it is through giving that we receive.

He also expressed his gratitude to the many benefactors and supporters of the missionary work, to the Comboni Institute for its accompaniment, and to the local Church of Florence for its closeness and support.

Father Marco also wished to associate his silver jubilee with the jubilee of Father Renzo Salvatici, his former parish priest, who is celebrating 65 years of priesthood in the same year. This meaningful choice highlighted priestly communion and the synodal and missionary service offered by all ministers to the People of God.

The biblical readings for the 25^th Sunday in Ordinary Time inspired Father Marco to explain that the owner of the vineyard calls workers at every hour of the day. His reward, however, is not determined by each person’s merits, but by their willingness to serve. Indeed, God’s justice is kindness and mercy; it challenges human ways of thinking, because “the last will be first”.

“May this Eucharist be an offering of thanksgiving fully pleasing to Him, for the gifts He has granted me by calling me to be a priest and missionary, and for the gifts the Lord has conveyed through me to you, to His People, and to the Gumuz people and the people of Ethiopia, whom I have always sought to serve to the best of my ability over these past 25 years,” he said.

Before the final blessing, the many messages of congratulations were read aloud. They had arrived from Ethiopia, from several bishops, from the Superior General, and from some of those present.

From the table of the altar, the many guests continued the celebration with a fraternal agape meal, expertly prepared by a special parish committee. There was wine, including vin santo, but the surprise for everyone was the fireworks. An invitation to look upwards and always go further.

It was also an opportunity to invite everyone to live out their fraternal solidarity with the Gumuz people through a concrete gesture: contributing to the construction of a school for children who are among the poorest of the poor.

Father Fernando Zolli, MCCJ