Bishop Marangoni concelebrated the mass in memory in Canale, recalling John Paul I’s ability to always speak face to face
CHANNEL. Albino Luciani: the greater, the more humble. This is how his hometown, Canale d’Agordo, remembered him last night, gathered in the church to commemorate the anniversary of his death, which took place after only 33 days of pontificate. In a concelebration with a dozen priests, Bishop Renato Marangoni recalled his figure and work, quoting a story from the “Pope of the smile”. It concerned the confession of a woman who, at the age of 35, wanted to leave behind her poor sinful life.
«God detests shortcomings, as they are shortcomings. However, under another aspect, God loves shortcomings because they are an occasion for him to show his mercy and for us to keep ourselves low, to be humble, to understand and sympathize with the shortcomings of others “, the pope recalled that he had told that lady. . Bishop Marangoni last night renewed that reassurance. How he brought to light other aspects of John Paul I that are too often overlooked. The consideration, for example, that “the city of God belongs to everyone”. And that Luciani testified and worked for an “ever greater we”, albeit starting from a life experience in a small mountain town. His very ability to communicate had “we” as its horizon, precisely because Don Albino knew how to speak – even as a bishop, patriarch and papal throne – always “face to face”. Capable, this man – who next year, as we hope, will rise to the honors of the altars – of an “immediate empathy” which then translated into sympathy.
The devotion that remains popular, even 43 years after his death, certifies that Luciani’s smile was much more than an expression on his face, but a life of faith, charity and hope. The three virtues also recalled last night by the bishop. For the next month, news is expected in the process of the cause of beatification: the announcement, in particular, that the competent Vatican Commission has recognized the miracle of Buenos Aires.