Birthday from heaven to earth, and from earth to heaven on the same date. This is what happened to the Consolata missionary, Brother Gianfranco on May 19, his birthday, a celebration of life from Life, and death, leading to eternal life. He was 70 years old. Now he rests in eternity.
By Giuseppe Inverardi *
Rest in peace! His life was very active and dynamic. I don’t remember the exact year, I met him for the first time in Mafinga, Tanzania, where he was building the Seminary of the Consolata Missionaries. He was there as a lay volunteer, after leaving the small construction company that he ran with his father. He had no academic qualifications, only skills and experience. His determination, resourcefulness, and commitment were praised. As a volunteer, he matured the desire to dedicate himself totally to the Mission as a Brother. Brother he became, and at the same time brother to the many who cooperated with him.
It would have been impossible to continue his service without a degree. So for three years he studied in Rome. Skillful and experienced, but certainly not with the makings of a student. For him as a mature man it was difficult to sit in school with adolescents and study literary subjects. However, with the help of his brothers he managed to obtain a diploma as surveyor. From a technical point of view he was far superior to his schoolmates. His drawings and calculations were impeccable.
Here are some of his personality traits, received from those who commented on his death: always smiling, cordial, communicative, nice, affable, welcoming, always ready to help, strong, generous, hardworking, he gave all of himself. In fact, in his will he even donated his corneas. Alas, when it was time to remove them it was noted that metastases from the tumor had affected them, so they could not be donated. A reference to Jesus in the Gospel of John: ‘He loved them to the end’ (John 13:1). Only virtues and merits in him? He would not be human. At times he was stubborn in his choices and positions, intemperate, a distributor of advice and observations even for the most obvious things.
In Tanzania he built and renovated several institutions. The peak of his construction activity is the Consolata Hospital in Ikonda, where beautiful buildings are combined with efficiency, empathy, cordiality, attention to people, making the Hospital a beacon of reference for patients even from far away. They flock there with hope and trust.
Gianfranco was meticulous and a perfectionist. He took care of the details. Always the best of solutions and materials, and at the same time with an eye on saving. Perhaps with exaggerated optimism, no problem was unsolvable for him. Regardless of himself and his health, he was all dedication and work. Passionate in his work. He made others work with professionalism and seriousness. It was his commitment to make sure they learned the job. For which he often withdrew, observed, instructed. Marvelous charity this teaching that gives dignity and makes one capable of learning a profession.
The last years were marked by physical suffering, but he spared himself nothing. In addition to his normal activities, he helped Dr. Gian Paolo Zara send instruments, machinery, and precious material to Ikonda Hospital. The suffering intensified in the last two months after brain surgery. He did not recover. His condition progressively worsened, knowing and not knowing, speaking and not speaking about his health situation. On one of my last visits he moved me. Not sure whether he was conscious or not, three times he called me to be beside him. He held my hands tightly, uttering emotional expressions that I would never have expected from him. If unconscious… he revealed deep feelings and his sensitivity. Repeatedly he kissed the Cross I was wearing. Him on the cross! And hymn to Our Lady of Lourdes.
The last six days in a coma. No communication. He was always communicative! I like to end with the words of a brother:
‘Builder! Now a dwelling, a building all for him, prepared by the Lord.’ It is the eternity of light, rest and peace for the faithful servant. It is the extraordinary paradise of missionaries, as our Holy Founder expressed it.
Father Giuseppe Inverardi, IMC, Mother House, Turin.