In memoriam...

Castello Valsolda, 14 febbraio 1938 - Solbiate, 29 décembre 2013 (Italy)

Homily during his funeral mass

Here we are in the presence of the Lord to celebrate the funeral of Brother Giuseppe, a non-priest Brother consecrated by vows just like St Francis of Assisi.
It is consoling to recall his memory for all those who knew him, particularly during those 25 years spent in Albavilla, where he was appreciated for his goodness and generosity, even though people didn’t always understand his position and status as a consecrated soul because of his great discretion.

It is important for each one of us, his brothers, to recall his memory. We who were too lucky to have known him well are now invited to recall the witness of his life.
As I was saying.... a consecrated soul like St Francis, called to lead a life as closely as possible to the origins , according to the type of a religious family, that of the Fathers of the Sacred Heart of Betharram, faithful to their spirituality.

A consecrated soul called, despite his limits, in the Church to be a “sign” of total dedication to the Gospel, “sign” of fraternal love and “sign” of service to charity.

Such is the difficult task that consecrated life is called to lead in the Church and in the world. The readings which we have just heard remind us exactly of this task, while at the same time sketching out the spirituality of the Fathers of Betharram.

Isaiah says:”I then heard the voice of the Lord saying: ‘Whom shall I send? Who is going to be our messenger?”

“Here I am”, just like Mary to the Angel’s message and like Jesus to his Father at the moment of his Incarnation: “Here I am to do your will”.

It was the consecration of his life to the Lord that was accomplished by Brother Giuseppe at 30 years of age and after several years as a painter in the building industry. These years got him used to work and prepared him to be always available for calls from everyone for the needs of the communities, friends for every kind of service:

Whether it was the heavy work in the vineyard at Monte Porzio Catone, or the activities in the S. Giuseppe House here at Albavilla or at Teggiate during the summer; or in response to the requests from the Roscio Sisters where he managed to mend almost anything like an expert and with the love of someone who had learned to put his “Here I am” into all the actions of his daily life.

Br Giuseppe was aided by a close relationship with the Lord sustained by early Morning Prayer and rounded up in the evening, after his day’s work by decades and decades of the Rosary. We all remember in community the countless hours spent listening - full blast – to the broadcasts of Mass or the Rosary on radio and Television! We also know how often he would bring a fresh flower for the statue of Our Lady in the refectory every morning.

I believe that for us he will always be that brother who by the witness of his life will remind us to take care of the things necessary in a life offered to the Lord.

In the second reading St Paul invites us to assume, like the beloved of the Lord, “the sentiments of mercy, goodness, humility gentleness and patience”.

Our Rule of Life asks us to live the challenge of a fraternal life in community as a sign of the presence of Christ in the midst of mankind. “By this men will recognise that you are my disciples.”

Freed from pastoral obligations but mindful of the needs of the brothers in community, Giuseppe was ready to go anywhere at the wheel of his van looking for the craziest of objects or with his mini-tractor mowing the lawn for the Sisters. I think he has been and always will be a living example of consecrated life: to be a “signum fraternatis”, a sign that it is possible to live like brothers in Christ.

In the Gospel, Jesus thanks his Father for revealing the deep truths to the humble and the despised, then he invites all who are weary and oppressed to speak to him with trust. That is what consecrated life, in imitation of Christ, is invited to do: offer “the service of Charity” to those who have the greatest need.

Many a time Br Giuseppe was seen coming out of the cellar with bags of food for those who were knocking at the door. This too is a practical sign of an important aspect of the spirituality of a consecrated person.

Br Giuseppe taught us the meaning of care through the great love which he showed the elderly, the sick, the humble and the simple. Finally, I think that I have been too long in my praises. Br Giuseppe would never forgive me!
However I believe that all that has been said in gratitude for a Brother who, in silence and simplicity has led a life totally consecrated to the Lord and has given us a precious witness not to be forgotten.

I believe his life has been a gift from the Lord for each one of us.

Thank you Bepi, for showing us how to believe simply and in confidence in the Lord. Thank you for your daily fidelity to “Here I am to do your will”. Thank you for the goodness which you showed us for those who are in need. In the name of all thank you!

And thanks to the Lord for the gift of your life and witness.

Piero Trameri, scj