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In Pace Christi
Bianchini Marcello Pietro
Date of birth :
19/01/1928
Place of birth :
Tartano
Temporary Vows :
07/10/1948
Perpetual Vows :
09/09/1953
Date of ordination :
12/06/1954
Date of death :
04/08/2003
Place of death :
Milano/I
Fr. Marcello Pietro Bianchini on the evening of 4 August 2003 left us unexpectedly, though he had been quite ill during his last months. He left us quietly and almost afraid to disturb. As gently as he lived, he returned to the Father.
As his first gift he had been blessed with an exemplary and large family and a Christian education in the spectacular valley of Tartano. At twelve years of age he entered the minor seminary at Como, before this was transferred to Rebbio. He continued his education at Brescia. In September 1946 he entered the noviciate at Florence, completing his second year noviciate at Sunningdale, England. He took his first vows on 9 September 1953 and was ordained priest in Milan by blessed cardinal Ildefonso Schuster on 12 June 1954.
Soon after his priestly ordination he began his “via crucis”, an illness that accompanied him for the remaining 50 years of his life. For a lung ailment he had to be admitted to hospital at Arco (three times), later at Sondalo and in 1970 in Rome. He had some periods of good health and activity, like when he was secretary of two Superior Generals: in 1955 of Fr. Antonio Todesco and in 1960 of Fr. Gaetano Briani. For two years (1960-1961) he went to London for further studies.
From 1970 onwards he was “assistant” of the general procurator to the Holy See. Many people, and not just confreres, were helped by him in many ways, with great care and dedication, as he considered this kind of work to be his contribution to the mission and to the whole Institute, which he regarded as his actual family. He always kept closely in touch with his relatives by phone and by mail, while keeping detached from them. His last visit to his hometown was over ten years ago. He was hoping to go home from the C.A.A. in Milan, where he had lately been transferred.
Two characteristics may better describe his religious life: the spirit of prayer and the humble acceptance of his being one of the least in the community. A witness that has become more meaningful on account of its authenticity. To a relative, a few days before his death - as he was feeling a bit better - he confided: “I am ready. As a priest, I would be happy to die; as a human being, I am scared.”
Fr. Marcello Pietro has certainly accomplished his missionary vocation and followed the genuine spirit of the Founder. He is an example to be imitated.
As his first gift he had been blessed with an exemplary and large family and a Christian education in the spectacular valley of Tartano. At twelve years of age he entered the minor seminary at Como, before this was transferred to Rebbio. He continued his education at Brescia. In September 1946 he entered the noviciate at Florence, completing his second year noviciate at Sunningdale, England. He took his first vows on 9 September 1953 and was ordained priest in Milan by blessed cardinal Ildefonso Schuster on 12 June 1954.
Soon after his priestly ordination he began his “via crucis”, an illness that accompanied him for the remaining 50 years of his life. For a lung ailment he had to be admitted to hospital at Arco (three times), later at Sondalo and in 1970 in Rome. He had some periods of good health and activity, like when he was secretary of two Superior Generals: in 1955 of Fr. Antonio Todesco and in 1960 of Fr. Gaetano Briani. For two years (1960-1961) he went to London for further studies.
From 1970 onwards he was “assistant” of the general procurator to the Holy See. Many people, and not just confreres, were helped by him in many ways, with great care and dedication, as he considered this kind of work to be his contribution to the mission and to the whole Institute, which he regarded as his actual family. He always kept closely in touch with his relatives by phone and by mail, while keeping detached from them. His last visit to his hometown was over ten years ago. He was hoping to go home from the C.A.A. in Milan, where he had lately been transferred.
Two characteristics may better describe his religious life: the spirit of prayer and the humble acceptance of his being one of the least in the community. A witness that has become more meaningful on account of its authenticity. To a relative, a few days before his death - as he was feeling a bit better - he confided: “I am ready. As a priest, I would be happy to die; as a human being, I am scared.”
Fr. Marcello Pietro has certainly accomplished his missionary vocation and followed the genuine spirit of the Founder. He is an example to be imitated.