DUCA Giovanni (Father) - Italy

Extract from the homily of Fr Jean-Luc Morin SCJ, Regional Superior, during the funeral of Fr Giovanni Duca who passed away on the 75th anniversary of his religious vows, 27th September, feast of St Vincent de Paul, trainer of priests and advocate of the charity.

One day at the table in the refectory of our house in Albiate, I mentioned my lack of inspiration for a spiritual time that I had to facilitate. Straightaway, Fr Giovanni told me this anecdote : In the nineties, at a Catholic Action chaplains’ congress in Rome, we were received by John Paul II. At the end of the audience with the pope, the leader of the delegation presented the participants one by one. When it was my turn, he whispered into the pope’s ear, « Fr Duca, a great preacher. » « Well, Father », the pope asked me, « how many Lenten homilies are you going to preach this year ? » « Most Holy Father », I responded, « there are toomany, especially as I find it hard to say something new. » The pope’s reply : « Would you like a topic ? Here it is : God never gets bored loving us and forgiving us. It’s all there. God never gets bored loving... No need to look for any other topic! »

All throughout his rich life, Fr Giovanni used all his energy, which was plentiful, to introduce and love God, this Father who has a mother’s heart for us. There were countless retreats, triduums, short retreats (notably for his dear ‘little ladies’ as he called them, with an affection that they re- turned to him), Forty-Hours and of course the sermons he gave with a great oratory talent and above all a big heart. He had a particular gift for preaching, which he was aware of, sometimes with a touch of pride. As one of his fellow-brothers noted, whose homilies, steeped in lofty theology, hardly grabbed the attention of the faithful: “As for Fr Duca, he only had to get on the pulpit and say ‘Jesus’ in his deep voice and everyone listened dumbstruck!”

A man of preaching, he was also a good listener. He knew how to spur on, raise morale; he could also console and manage single-handedly. He spoke to men about God and to God about men, while praying the rosary alone in his room, early in the morning, or while receiving guidance at the community parlour. His brothers have not forgotten the numerous rings of the doorbell or telephone from people looking for Fr Giovanni and looking especially for a chat on faith and hope.

He listened to and absolved hundreds of religious at Asso, Erba, Mandello, Albese, Como and so many other communities. He welcomed and accompanied numerous young people from the school in Colico and from multiple youth clubs in Brianza, couples preparing for marriage, families on life’s journey, with a particular attention for widows. Perhaps he spent more time in the confessional than in any other place...

Fr Giovanni had a great devotion to Our Lady. What could be more normal for a son of Maria... Ciocchina, wife of Duca. His mother only gave him one piece of advice when he became a priest: “Promise me you’ll never say no when you are called to ministry.” He lived out the ‘Here I Am,’ dear to our founder, personally, a true priest of the Sacred Heart. When he was asked to do a pastoral service, he was always ready, available: “I’ll go” he would say with eagerness. Even when tired, he never shied away from the call of the parish priest, nor of a Father or Mother Superior.

Allow me one last anecdote, significant of his personality and of the message he leaves us.

Some time ago, I opened myself up to him about certain existential doubts. “Don’t wonder whether you have done well or badly”, he told me. “At the end of the day, ask yourself just one question: will the Lord be pleased with me today?”

And so, at the end of his life, on the first day of eternity, what is important is that Fr Duca heard, as we have felt so often in his presence: “I am glad that you are here. Giovanni, come into my joy.” Here we are.

Thank you, my Father. Rest in the Heart of the Lord. Always.