The visit of Cardinal Oscar Cantoni to the hamlet of Sant'Agata, in the Parish of Nuova Olonio
by Don Davide Patuelli
We want to tell you something about the visit of the bishop of Como, Cardinal Oscar Cantoni, to the hamlet of Sant'Agata, in the territory of the Municipality of Gera Lario (Como), but belonging to the Guanellian Parish of Santissimo Salvatore of Nuova Olonio (Sondrio). It is Sunday, February 9, a few days after the liturgical memory of the martyr Agata which is celebrated on February 5.
The season is fully winter, but despite this the feast of Saint Agatha is deeply felt in the group of houses that bear the name of the saint, between the confluence of the Adda in Lake Como and the large roundabout of Fuentes in Piantedo (Sondrio).
This year, the expectation among the people is growing and it will certainly not be the rain, pouring at times, that will diminish its intensity. Even if the weather is inclement, the spiritual climate is that of great events; if the feast of Saint Agatha every year gathers people from neighboring countries, this time there is also an illustrious guest, the Bishop, to give further shine to an event already very much felt.
Finally the Cardinal arrives, welcomed by the music of the band and the festive ringing of the church bell. Everything has been prepared with extreme care, this year as every year: flowers, altar ornaments, songs, side elements (charity raffle, sale of typical products) that serve in some way to underline the moment of celebration.
The Cardinal has just enough time to greet the authorities, then the celebration of the Eucharist begins. During the homily he pronounces warm and heartfelt words: the small community of the faithful perceives that its small size (just over a hundred souls) does not make it second-rate in the eyes of its Pastor, because for him all communities are worthy of care, since they are brought to life by the presence of the Lord who said: "Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in their midst". The reference to the figure of Saint Agatha, then, invites all those present to make their own the distinctive trait of this saint, virgin and martyr, that is, radicality in the life of faith and in charity.
Once the celebration is over, there is time for greetings. While blessed bread is distributed outside the church and refreshments are offered, anyone who wishes can approach the Cardinal for a handshake, a request for prayer, or a thank you. The Bishop gives everyone a space for his attention.
Then comes the moment of farewell: in the eyes of those present there is a feeling of gratitude. Before leaving us, however, the Cardinal makes an eloquent gesture: that of going to the home of some elderly people who were unable to participate in the Holy Mass. If faith is present here today, it is also due to the life and testimony of these elderly people.
In the afternoon the celebration continues with the recitation of vespers and the prayer of the rosary. The rain prevented the procession from taking place, certainly not the expression of the faith of a community that gathers around its Pastor.