In Pace Christi

Some things are a given. For example, the sun rises in the East and sets in the West. The reserve and introversion of Fr. Domenico Pazzaglia was a given part of his personality.
“He seldom spoke about himself, his ailments or his feelings, for that matter. Only when he had to be admitted to the hospital did we learn about his true physical condition, like that he suffered from poor circulation, diabetes, and high blood pressure,” said Fr. Angelo Biancalana in the eulogy during the funeral Mass on May 6, 2004. The last three years of his life, Fr. Domenico lived in the community of Covina, California. Because he did not talk about himself or his health, the death of Fr. Domenico was somewhat unexpected.

Beginning of his vocation
Born in Serravalle di Carda, central Italy, just five months after the end of World War I, he entered the seminary at an early age and continued until his ordination, which took place in Verona on June 27, 1943, during World War II. The enthusiasm about Daniel Comboni of Fr. Arnaldo Violini (who also worked in the USA and died in Montclair, New Jersey) must have had some influence on Fr. Domenico’s decision to join the Comboni Missionaries. We must remember, nevertheless, that his extended natural family is very much a Comboni family. Several cousins are Comboni priests: Fr. Andrea and Fr. Tarcisio Pazzaglia, Fr. Bruno Marinelli and the late Fr. Augusto Pazzaglia.

Beginning of his priestly ministry
The first eight years of Fr. Domenico’s priesthood, from 1943 to 1951, were spent teaching in the minor seminaries of the Comboni Missionaries, first at Pesaro and then at Crema. In 1951 Fr. Domenico left the “old world” for the young “Region of the United States”, as the province was then known. “It was hard for him to adjust to the new environment, language and people,” said Fr. Angelo. Yet the difficulties and disappointment did not keep him down. He bounced back, and in fact, spent the rest of his life in the United States and Canada, becoming a citizen of the United States on May 24, 1957.

Assigned to the North American province
After studying English for several months, Fr. Domenico’s first assignment in 1952 was Monroe, Michigan, where for a year he worked in mission promotion activities. The following year, he was made the associate pastor at Holy Trinity parish in Cincinnati. From 1953 onward Fr. Domenico had only pastoral assignments. Even when he was assigned to the promotion center in Canada, his main responsibility was to minister to Italian immigrants.

Working among the American Indians in California
In 1956 Fr. Domenico began what would become the most fulfilling and rewarding ministry of his life. All told, he spent nearly 21 years among the Cajuillas, Cupeños, Ipai, and Luiseños Indians in the missions of California. He often shared stories about these years. His first assignment among the American Indians was in Santa Ysabel, California, from 1956 to 1960 as associate pastor, and the following year, as associate pastor in San Antonio de Pala. Subsequently he returned to Santa Isabel as pastor from 1964 to 1966, and again from 1967 to 1980. In later years, he often referred to this experience in Santa Ysabel and San Antonio de Pala and always spoke of it with pride. Even in later years he fondly remembered names and stories connected to the people of those missions.

Personal gifts and ministry
A real well-informed history enthusiast, Fr. Domenico’s knowledge in this field helped him make “connections.” He could debate with the scholars and the uninformed, making use of facts and data that he delivered with appealing enthusiasm. Often he would retell countless details about historical events and, to the very end of his life, Fr. Domenico retained a lucid memory.
“His photogenic smile, strong handshake and hearty laugh, combined with shyness and humility, endeared him to people whom he ministered. Many found it easy to approached him, sensing a welcoming heart,” said Fr. Brian Quigley who lived with Fr. Domenico some of the 21 years he served in Canada from 1980-2001. Gifted with a good memory for details, he was equally able to “forget” what no longer mattered, especially if it stood in the way of moving on in relationships.

The severity of Canadian winters highlighted Fr. Domenico’s dedication to ministry. Even at 80 years of age, he willingly traveled 48 km over roads covered with snow and ice to celebrate Mass for the Italian communities of Cambridge and Brantford. These are the people who, in gratitude, prepared the festivities to celebrate his 50^th anniversary of priestly ordination. Eight years of his ministry were subdivided among Monroe (Michigan), Cincinnati (Ohio) and Louisville (Kentucky). The last three years of his life were spent in Covina (California).

His love of nature
First nurtured at home in Serravalle di Carda, Fr. Domenico’s love of nature continued throughout his long life. He was an keen gardener and amateur bird-watcher. This aspect inspired him in his spirituality centered on “dying and being reborn,” which gave him resiliency. In fact, Fr. Domenico often referred to the grain of wheat that must die in order to bear fruit. In his eulogy, Fr. Angelo remarked that the color purple used in the liturgical service is not an easy color to notice. Then he quoted the main character in the movie Color Purple, where it is said: “I think God is angry when we fail to see the color purple.” Fr. Angelo continued: “Fr. Domenico was colored purple that day and he loved the color purple, in the sense that he never attracted attention to himself. He was a very simple person, reserved, and quiet, and he felt at home with simple, poor and humble people.” Because of his shyness and humility, Fr. Domenico must have been surprised on Friday, April 30, 2004, when St. Daniel Comboni and the Comboni Family were there to welcome him. A week later his body was laid to rest in the cemetery of San Antonio de Pala, among his American Indian friends and three confreres: Fr. Dino De Grandis, Fr. Francesco Di Francesco and Fr. Gennaro Carillo.
P. Paul Donohue, mccjDa Mccj Bulletin n. 226 suppl. In Memoriam, aprile 2005, pp. 1-4.