SALESIAN COOPERATOR (OCTOBER 9, 2013)

HE BEGAN THE “CRUSADE OF KINDNESS”

Attilio Giordani was born in Milan on February 3, 1913. From an early age he was outstanding for his love of the Oratory and, by 18, for his dedication to the young people who frequented it. For many decades, He was a diligent catechist and a regular, intelligent, simple and cheerful leader. He looked after the liturgy, formation, games, leisure, his young people’s holidays and the theatre.

He loved God with his whole heart and found the resources he needed for his life of grace in the sacraments, prayer and spiritual direction. During his military service, which began in 1934 and continued intermittently until 1945, he showed his apostolic spirit among his companions in arms.

He worked in the Pirelli Industry in Milan, where he continued to spread cheerfulness and good humor, along with a deep sense of duty. After the war he married Noemi Davanzo who was with him for the rest of his life.

He gave hope back to many young people disturbed by the war years, starting up the “Crusade of Kindness” which spread throughout Italy.

As a husband and father he showed great serenity and kindness, choosing voluntary austerity and evangelical poverty, in order to help the needy. Every day he was faithful to his meditation, Eucharist and Rosary.

His three sons had already gone to Brazil to spend a period as volunteer missionaries when, in agreement with his wife Noemi, they decided to go, together, to share in the vocation of their sons, as volunteers in Operation Mato Grosso. In Brazil, he continued to work as a catechist and leader.

On December 8, 1972, at Campo Grande, during a reunion, he spoke enthusiastically and ardently of the duty to give one’s life for others, when he suddenly felt weak. He had just time to say to his son, “Pier Giorgio, you carry on,” when he died of a heart attack.

His remains were brought back to Italy and now repose in the Church of St. Ambrose in Milan.