| Vatican – The “Positio” for Fr Convertini handed in |
| Italy – Marching with Fr Francesco |
The day began with Mass at which the Postulator General Fr Enrico dal Covolo presided in the mother church of Cisternino, and this was followed by a Solidarity and Peace March, now in its fourth year.
Taking part in the march were representatives of the Puglia Region and a dozen Mayors from some of the twenty Towns which expressed their support. The banners of various Provinces and Towns, the professional and student bands, and the active participation of about seventy Associations, Organisations and Institutions of various kinds ensured an extraordinarily festive atmosphere in spite of the freezing cold and the snow which welcomed the procession as it entered the main square of Marinelli.
In the afternoon in Marinelli there was a recital in honour of Father Francesco which concluded the celebration of the 33rd anniversary of his death. On this occasion, the Postulator gave the Mayor of Cisternino, Dr. Luigi Convertini, the Indian passport of Father Francesco, and invited everyone present to pursue generously, using the passport, the same “Journey of holiness” undertaken by their illustrious fellow-citizen.
In the meantime, the Cause of beatification and canonisation of the Servant of God continues its progress. In the next few weeks the Relator, Father Cristoforo Bove, O.F.M. Conv., will officially hand over to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints the volumes containing the “Positio” at last printed. On its part the Salesian community in Cisternino, under the guidance of the Rector, Fr Gaetano Nalesso, is putting the final touches to the programme of celebration for the imminent seventy-fifth anniversary of the foundation.
Published 17/02/2009
