VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis paid homage to two Italian priests who were known for persevering in their priestly ministry despite facing opposition, even from within the Church.
Visiting the towns of Bozzolo and Barbiana in northern Italy June 20, the pope prayed before the tombs of Fathers Primo Mazzolari and Lorenzo Milani, who dedicated their ministry to the poor and the oppressed.
Pope Francis arrived by helicopter first to Bozzolo, where he greeted residents and well-wishers lined outside the church of St. Peter the Apostle, where Fr. Mazzolari’s remains were laid to rest.
After praying in front of an icon of Mary, he went to the beloved Italian priest’s tomb, where he laid an arrangement of white and yellow flowers and stood in silent prayer for several minutes.
Born in Cremona, Italy, Fr. Mazzolari was known for his steadfast opposition to Italy’s Fascist regime despite attempts against his life.
Although his calls for increased participation of the laity, Church reform and outreach to the marginalized were all themes that were at the forefront of the Second Vatican Council three years after his death, he was prohibited by the Church from speaking publicly or publishing his writings.
He would later gain recognition for his faithfulness to the Church and was asked to preach in Milan by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Montini, the future Blessed Pope Paul VI.
He was also praised by St. John XXIII who referred to him publicly as the “trumpet of the Holy Spirit in Bassa Padana,” referring to the area of Lombardy where Fr. Mazzolari carried out his ministry. He died in 1959.
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