A flattering achievement is that of our confrere Fr. Ezio, born in 1931: an intense, hard-working life, rich in encounters and works, but above all marked by an incalculable grace: 75 years of fidelity to the Lord and perseverance in his Redemptorist vocation.
This aspect was highlighted by the general visitor, Fr. Andrzej Kukla, who is currently meeting with his confreres from the Roman communities. Last Sunday, September 20, he presided over the Eucharistic celebration at 12:00 in the pontifical parish of San Gioacchino ai Prati di Castello, concelebrating with the celebrant and with his confreres from the communities in the city.
Our confrere’s testimony, the celebrant reiterated, is an authoritative vocational testimony and a clear example of how a life given and spent for the Lord can be extraordinarily fruitful. In his heartfelt homily, Fr. Kukla also highlighted the complex personality of the celebrant: a man dedicated to work, culture, education, and the Redemptorist mission, carried out through multiple roles and ministries. He further emphasized the joy with which Fr. Ezio met and accompanied the journey of so many people, some of whom, particularly former students, were present and visibly moved.
Alongside the celebrant, the liturgy was attended by several confreres: Fr. Vincenzo La Mendola, superior of the Roman community of Monterone-Montespaccato, who at the conclusion of the celebration conveyed greetings from the provincial superior, Fr. Gennaro Sorrentino, the affection of all the confreres of the Province of Europe South, and the good wishes of the parish of San Giovanni Neumann in Montespaccato, where Fr. Marcelli spent several years of ministry; Fr. Pietro Sulkowski, superior and parish priest of San Gioacchino, who organized the celebration, recalling with affection and gratitude—in his closing remarks—Fr. Marcelli’s generous collaboration in parish activities; the provincial secretary, Fr. Fabrizio Podda, vicar of the community and assistant parish priest, who oversaw the liturgical aspects with the assistance of students and altar servers; and the other confreres, who with deep emotion gathered around the celebrant to rejoice with him.
A particularly touching message came from Father Marcelli himself. In his final speech, he fondly remembered his parents Vincenzo and Angela Maria, and thanked everyone present, expressing his gratitude to the Lord for the gift of his vocation and his gratitude to the Congregation, which is his family. A group photo and warmest wishes from those present concluded the solemn thanksgiving service.
The celebration then continued for the Redemptorist community with a sumptuous lunch, offered with renowned generosity by the superior of the house, who, together with the community, wished to extend their best wishes to the celebrant by presenting him with a stole bearing the image of Saint Alphonsus.
Fr. Gianni Congiu, superior of the Sant’Alfonso community, and the other confreres of the house also contributed to the celebration of the fraternal meal, joining in the festive greetings at the cake cutting.
It was a Sunday marked by joy and fraternity, lived in the sharing of that same Redemptorist vocation which—as the Father Visitor recalled—is manifested as a joyful service to others in the proclamation of abundant Redemption. During the celebration, he also extended a warm invitation to those present to pray for vocations, thanking them for they themselves represent the ultimate reason for the Redemptorist mission.
We extend our best wishes to the dear celebrant, hoping that he may continue to live in serenity and missionary fruitfulness for the years that the Lord wills to grant him, expressing our most sincere gratitude for his tireless witness of consecrated life.
Fr. Vincenzo M. La Mendola, C.Ss.R.
