What would you do if you were listening to a homily during which the priest-homilist says, “My wife used to tell me…”? Well, that is exactly what this priest used to say so often during his homilies. Those who didn’t know about his fascinating journey to priesthood would giggle and look around, but that didn’t bother him.
Probo Vaccarini, an Italian born on 4 June 1919, studied mathematics. He joined the Italian army and, during World War II, fought in Russia. After the war, he became a surveyor. His friend, who had fought along with him in Russia, was a handsome guy and apparently had everything a young man would aspire for. But he always looked distressed, dejected and uninterested in anything. But, after some time, Probo was surprised to see him transformed—happy, cheerful and energetic. When Probo asked him for the secret, he told him about the confession he had made to Padre Pio, the Capuchin priest, who was immensely popular as a confessor and a spiritual guide—now St Pio of Pietrelcina. The friend suggested that he too should go and meet the saintly Padre.
Probo followed his friend’s advice and went to meet Padre Pio. He was so impressed and touched that he made him his regular confessor. Once, when Probo asked him what he should do with his life, Padre Pio told him he should get married and have a “big and holy family.” An amused and puzzled Probo said, “Big is easy, but holy …?” When he met him again to tell him he still remained unmarried, Padre Pio told him to get moving.
Fr M A Joe Antony SJ
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