The spiritual legacy of Don Giovanni Di Tullio
How beautiful is the wish formulated on the mortal remains of Don Giovanni by this believer: "The Lord, who has already welcomed you into his arms, make you shine like the light of his countenance forever".
Wasn't that always Don Giovanni's dream and daily commitment?
He reminds us of it by way of spiritual testament on the day of the 40th anniversary of his priestly ordination: "As far as I'm concerned, today more than ever I feel the value and beauty of every day that Providence gives me, especially after the suffered and critical experience of February 2000. What matters is what I have allowed the Lord to write in my life, and the image (photo) that I have managed to recompose of Jesus in me”.
Thank you Don Giovanni!
As confreres we are proud of you, of your life, an eloquent prophecy of charity, of your daily commitment as a son of the Blessed Founder and as a servant of Charity.
Don Giovanni Di Tullio's path to holiness
Two simple parables from his life:
1. That missing button
I have your memory in my heart, Don Giovanni!
Often, on Saturdays, I met you in the sacristy when, after having fulfilled some parish duties, you were preparing to begin your highest task, that of confessor. According to many, you worked with sweetness, profound simplicity and transparent frankness of manners and words. When you usually wore the "skirt" I always noticed that you were missing a black button...
Don Giovanni - I said - why don't you let this button be attached? Maybe you can't do it yourself?
I am capable… I am capable…! You answered calmly.
Then why don't you do it?
Because from that missing button I let my sick heart breathe!
And I have reserved a little place for you in the depths of mine, Don Giovanni. HI!
(A friend).
2. His Last Smile
On the day of his funeral in the basilica of San Giuseppe al Trionfale a gentleman passed by who distributed images of Don Giovanni, especially to the elderly ladies present. I wished I had one of those pictures but they were all gone. I asked Don Giovanni to give me a last smile from him and I left the Church. Outside the church was a group of nuns; one of them was holding two pictures of Don Giovanni; I asked her if she could let me take a picture of the picture with my cell phone, but she gave it to me. Behold: Don Giovanni who gave me his last smile ”(Giorgio Sportello).