Torchlight procession and prayer vigil
In recent days, a silent torchlight procession through the streets of Schio brought together a large number of people, offering a tangible sign of shared grief and gratitude for the good accomplished by Fr Francesco and Alberto.
Yesterday, Thursday, 2 July, the Salesian Oratory hosted the lying in state, allowing many faithful, young people and families to pay their final respects. Later in the evening, a prayer vigil was held at St Peter’s Cathedral, where the community gathered to entrust Fr Francesco and Alberto to the Lord and prepare spiritually for the funeral celebration.
Final farewell and funeral celebration
This morning, Friday, 3 July, the lying in state remained open for a final time, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, offering another opportunity for prayer and recollection.
The joint funeral Mass will be celebrated this evening at 6:30 p.m. at the PalaRomare. The Municipality of Schio has proclaimed a day of civic mourning.
The Eucharistic celebration will be presided over by the Rector Major of the Salesian Congregation, Fr Fabio Attard, the 11th Successor of Don Bosco, who wished to be present to pay tribute to his Salesian confrere and to the young animator, accompanying the community with his message of faith and hope.
The PalaRomare will open at 5:00 p.m. and has seating for approximately 2,200 people. Additional seating and a large outdoor screen have been arranged to allow everyone to follow the celebration. A dedicated area has also been reserved for persons with disabilities, while volunteers will assist with welcoming participants.
A gesture of charity born from sorrow
In these days of mourning, the families of Fr Francesco and Alberto have expressed the wish that any donations collected be destined for the populations affected by the recent earthquake in Venezuela. A simple yet eloquent gesture that transforms grief into solidarity and reflects a profoundly evangelical and Salesian spirit.
How to Reach, Park or Watch event Online
A free shuttle service will operate from the Faber Box (Via Tito Livio) from 5:00 p.m., with departures every 15 minutes and return trips after the celebration. Those unable to attend in person will be able to follow the funeral Mass via live streaming on the DonBoscoLand.it YouTube channel.
The Salesian Family invites everyone to live this moment in silence, prayer and Christian hope, confident that the good sown by Fr Francesco and Alberto will continue to bear fruit in the lives of many young people.
