The volume “An incarnate spirituality” by Luigi Nardella has been published, which deals with the pastoral charity of the Venerable Mons. Fortunato Maria Farina, immersed in the socio-political problems of his time. It is the documented story of over thirty years of the history of Foggia, from which the commitment of generous love with which the Venerable Pastor has worked in the religious and civil community of the Capitanata emerges in a luminous way.
CLOSE TO THE PEOPLE. Devoured by the desire to give Jesus to souls, which were entrusted to him by God’s Providence, he did not stop only at the strictly religious aspect, but gave all of himself to meet every need of his people. During the years of his difficult relationship with Fascism, he was able to weave a wise mediation with the local authorities, managing to establish with them, albeit with some difficulties, a serene and respectful coexistence “with his interventions full of balance, evangelical hope and social peace” . He paid particular attention to the poor areas of the city and to the rural villages that arose during Fascism, organizing a group of lay people and priests for religious assistance and for concrete help to all those in need. The Bishop’s heart was always open to meet every need of his children. For this reason equally great was the support given to the pious works of our territory, already existing or newly established.
THE CHARITY’. When, then, in 1943 Foggia was devastated by bombing, it showed heroic charity towards the people, struck by the drama of the war: together with some priests and religious, he rescued the wounded, buried the dead and organized a work assistance for the population, left homeless and without any property. Even after the bombings, his charity was immense: he took care of all the situations of need of the people of Foggia, tragically marked by the horrors of war, and, to alleviate their discomfort and suffering, he managed to establish a relationship of respect. reciprocal and dialogue with the Allied Forces, which had occupied our territory. Once the war ended, his commitment was great to materially and morally rebuild our society, torn apart by this terrible tragedy.
THE BOOK. “All of this – writes the author – testifies to the greatness of his work in our territory. The Venerable Mons. Fortunato Maria Farina, despite having always fragile health, was a man who spent all of himself, to the point of heroism, to serve God and his brothers. It’s important that we keep their memory, as a reason for hope for our city, unfortunately known for so many negative examples. This figure of Bishop cannot and must not be forgotten. But, in obedience to the Gospel, we put on the candlestick this great light, poured out by this holy Shepherd, and we strongly emphasize that in our city there are also examples of heroic charity, to which today we can still be inspired in our concrete life.“. The volume can be requested from the Postulation of the Cause of Beatification and Canonization of the Venerable Servant of God Mons. Fortunato Maria Farina c / o Curia Arcivescovile – Via Oberdan, 13 Foggia – Tel. 0881 766111 or from the Vice Postulator Don Luigi Nardella donluiginardella @ libero.it.
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“An incarnated spirituality”, Don Luigi Nardella tells Msgr. Fortunato Maria Farina