Press reports indicated that 51-year-old Fr. Roberto Malgesini, known for being "the priest of the marginalized" and for his devotion to assisting the homeless and migrants in the northern Italian diocese, died in a street near his parish of the Church of St. Rocco after sustaining several stab wounds, including one to the neck, around 7am on September 15.
Fr. Malgesini was the coordinator of a group of priests who help people in difficult situations, namely the homeless and migrants.
On Wednesday, September 16, toward the conclusion of the general audience, Pope Francis paused for a moment, to recall "Father Roberto Malgesini, a priest of the diocese of Como."
Expressing sorrow, Pope Francis said, “I give praise to God for the witness, that is, for the martyrdom of this witness of charity toward the poorest."
COMPASSION, CHARITY BOOMERANGED INTO BLOODSHED!
It is a pity that a priest, who dedicated his life to serving the homeless and migrants, was stabbed to death while he was disseminating the message of peace, mercy and compassion as taught by Lord Jesus Christ.
Who benefits from such an atrocious crime?
Fr. Roberto Malgesini deserves respect and appreciation for the mercy he demonstrated towards the needy. He was practically applying the teachings mentioned in the Holy Bible:
“Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.” (Isaiah 58:7), and
Jesus answered them, “Whoever has two shirts should share with the person who doesn’t have any. Whoever has food should share it too.” (Luke 3:1)
Priests are instruments used by God for the salvation of souls. They should be highly venerated in all societies for the divine services they provide to people through satisfying their spiritual needs. Instead of inflicting harm on them, they should always be given due appreciation and veneration.
This diabolical act will definitely boomerang as it impedes further efforts conducted by pious people who strive to help the destitute and the needy under the impression that such efforts are risky. This implies limiting badly needed charity work that helps alleviate the suffering of people in need.
What is needed at this stage is to start a campaign of educating people who are unaware of the significance of the need to share a life abounding with peace, love and mercy. Killing innocent people, particularly priests, is not an honorable deed, for priests work day and night preaching peace and love in ailing societies, and perform inevitable sublime deeds.
Since the start of his apostasy, Pope Francis toured several countries in the five continents of the world where he always preached about peace, love, and common living. It is due time to turn crimes and bloodshed into love and cordiality.
When will the criminals learn that "cutting off" the hands of “goodness” through their crimes will not put an end to acts of charity and love, for the priests who disseminate the message of love will definitely continue their message of love with further assiduity and determination.
Our priests are the salt of the world. Preserving this salt is a prime concern so that the message of harmony and love will continue.
May the Lord welcome martyred Fr. Roberto Malgesini into His embrace, console and support those who are in pain.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let the perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
