On Wednesday 17 July at 17 pm, at the Basilica of Santa Maria della Sanità, the book “Ricordi in memoria di Don Giuseppe Rassello”, published by Massa Publisher.
The event, organized on the occasion of the 47th anniversary of his priestly ordination, promises to be an emotional occasion to remember and celebrate the life and works of Don Giuseppe Rassello, a priest who left an indelible mark on the Rione Sanità of Naples.Article Key Points
A Book, Twenty-Four Years Later
The book collects twenty testimonies of people who knew and lived a part of their life with Don Giuseppe Rassello. Twenty-four years after his death, this collection of memories highlights the legacy of a priest who dedicated his life to the most fragile and forgotten. The work is edited by Arturo Lettieri and Carlo Avilio and includes reflections and writings by Rassello himself, documenting his tireless commitment to Healthcare district.
The Testimonies
Among the testimonies in the book, we find those of Bruno Forte, metropolitan archbishop of Chieti-Vasto, and of Salvatore and Alessandro, respectively brother and nephew of Don Giuseppe. Important contributions also come from Sister Carmelina Di Sarli, Father Antonio Loffredo and the journalist Matilde Andolfo. Particularly precious is the testimony of Rosario Fiorenza, founder with Don Rassello of the association “Crescere Insieme”, shortly before his death.
Don Giuseppe Rassello always devoted all his physical, intellectual and moral energies to the mission towards the least of society. As he himself wrote: “Since the beginning of my priesthood, I have always dedicated all my physical, intellectual and moral energies to the mission towards the least of society… even though I was aware of the probable difficulties in this context, for consistency with my vocation I did not hesitate to accept”.
A Life Dedicated to the Young and the Last
Don Giuseppe Rassello, with a solid classical education, preferred to dedicate himself to the weakest in society rather than pursuing an academic career. Transferred to the Sanità district in the 1980s, during a period of great difficulty for Naples, Rassello opened the doors of his church to the most disadvantaged young people, offering them spiritual, cultural and material support.
Adversity and Resistance
Despite hostile historical contingencies and an unjust judicial process, Don Rassello continued his work with unchanged fervor until the end of his life. The book documents not only his tireless commitment in the Sanità neighborhood, but also his resistance against false accusations and injustice.
An Immortal Legacy
Don Rassello's work transcends the confines of the Sanità neighborhood, with a far-sighted vision that anticipated the social and political problems of Italy. His actions and teachings continue to live through the testimonies collected in the book, offering an example of dedication and courage.
Conclusion
The event of July 17 will be enriched by the participation of the Sanitansamble youth orchestra and the proceeds from the book offer will be used to support the solidarity activities of the associations. The book not only celebrates the memory of Don Giuseppe Rassello, but invites us to reflect on his teaching and his mission, which is still a source of inspiration for many today.
Article published on 11 July 2024 - 18:07
