Father Fernando, watch over the Congo!
It has been four months since Father Fernando Paladini, Missionary of the Consolata, returned to the Father’s House
He who dedicated so many years of his life to the Democratic Republic of Congo (then Zaire), watch from up there over all its inhabitants at this time of particular suffering
Never forget to greet people well.
Do not be overwhelmed by the time that engulfs every relationship.
I let it happen to me, and it will not have to happen again.
Father Fernando Paladini and I had known each other for 34 years-I was 14 years old and he was the first of the many missionaries I met in my life. The one who lit the fire of mission in the heart of a girl who was looking for meaning in her life.
We corresponded for a long time when he was in the Congo, when there were no cell phones or whatsapp yet and people used pen and paper. Every letter from him was a celebration for me: he smelled of Africa, he had yet another stamp for my dear dad’s collection.
Then, he went back to Italy. And I meanwhile grew up and fed on dreams and love for humanity. Special people like him helped make me who I am, gave me wings to fly above everything that, in the face of poverty and passion, became smaller and smaller. Thanks to him and those who believed strongly in God and great ideals, I found more and more my way, where I was never alone.
Father Fernando used to call me every year on December 10, to wish me well on my name day. Hardly anyone remembered Our Lady of Loreto, but his phone call came as timely and faithful as a gift, with a final blessing and the classic greeting (“See you at every Eucharist!”).
This year he will not call me either. He left without my knowing it.
I should have been more present, too.
Instead, I let the commitments, the races, the daily hustle and bustle decide for me and our non-greeting.
Ad-God, Father Fernando. I will always remember your laughter, your enthusiasm, your deep connection to Africa and your Institute.
You were proud and happy to be a Consolata missionary, and I am sure that now, from up there, you are watching over your beloved people of the Congo, who then had another name,
but had much the same problems.That land that you knew so well continues, unfortunately, to be battered, robbed, impoverished.
You who are closer to God than we are, ask Him to forgive us for our indifference, greed, selfishness.
Ask him to have mercy on this world that leaves the poor behind and runs
driven by interests and power games.To the people who these days are fleeing, suffering, and even dying,
send once again one of your special blessings, which had the strength of a caress.
And then thank you so much for everything. For what you left to the Congo, to those who knew you, to me.
I hope that my daughters, as well as all kids today can have encounters like mine. The kind that change your existence and visions. The kind that open your arms, your eyes, your mind.
Most YouTubers and influencers have nothing to say to us.
You, simply, touched my heart.