In Pace Christi

Father Marcello was born on 18^th February 1939, in Montefalcone Val­fortore, in the province of Benevento. He did his novitiate in Gozzano (1955-1957) and made his first profession on 9^th September 1957. He studied philosophy and theology in Verona (1957-1960) and Venegono (1960-1964); he took perpetual vows on 9^th September 1963 and was ordained a priest on 28^th June 1964. Father Marcello exercised his mis­sionary ministry in Italy (about 41 years) and Mexico (about 17 years).

Psalm 6 can act as a mirror to what Father Marcello experienced in his last days. It is defined as the psalm of a sick person, a sick person who begs, and who then suddenly erupts into a cry for salvation. It seems to me that this psalm says a lot about the human and spiritual story of Father Marcello, especially in these last years, since dialysis was the faithful companion of his days and he, as the days went by, saw that his body was becoming more fragile, his autonomy diminished and his need for assistance increased. We witnessed the underlying serenity with which Father Marcello faced the test based on the faithfulness of God.

Some memories. He would come to watch the news and afterwards go to his room – latterly in his wheelchair – but the corridor was long and I pushed him along it more than once. Towards the end of the corridor, he would say: “Thank you. That’s enough. Your day is full enough, and you have so many things to do. Now I can manage on my own... Thanks for your help!” Once, almost absentmindedly, I said to him: “But, Marcello, we can’t forget about you...”. After a couple of months, he told me: “Thank you for those words! They did me good and gave me a lot of courage.”

Father Marcello arrived in the community of Castel d’Azzano in mid-2022 and left us on 10^th December 2023 to go to Borgo Roma hospital in Ve­rona, at around 7.00 pm. He had recently been hospitalised due to vari­ous complications and the numerous pathologies he already had (kidney failure, heart problems, diabetes...), with ups and downs in his state of health. Lastly, a gastro-intestinal haemorrhage occurred, which led to his death within a few hours.

Father Marcello’s funeral was celebrated on Wednesday 13^th December at the community of Castel d’Azzano, presided over by Father Renzo Pi­azza, superior of the community. The provincial superior, Father Fabio Baldan, and some confreres from our community of the Mother House of Verona were also present. The remains were then taken to his home town, where his funeral was held on 14^th December.

Father Marcello, I have not shared with you the labours of the apostolate or the mission, but only the last months of your earthly life. I would like to tell you and everyone that loving you wasn’t difficult. Thanks, Marcello! Remember us. (Father Renzo Piazza, mccj)