In the year in which the Catholic world celebrates the eighth centenary of the death of Saint Francis, in the Porziuncola, the little church where the "Poverello" of Assisi understood his calling and made it an important place in his spiritual journey, a man from Nuoro is planting a solid cornerstone in his journey of faith. Last night, in the church around which the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Assisi was built, Angelo Calledda, 45, who grew up not far from the Church of the Grazie, made his perpetual profession to the Order of Friars Minor of Saint Francis.

Who is

Angelo Calledda, who grew up in a family where he always felt a strong connection to religion, thanks to his father Giuseppe (originally from Aritzo, who passed away three years ago, but was very active in the parish) and his mother Felicina Corda, attended the Oratory of Grazie from an early age, where he met many priests who have served in the church in the city center over the years. Among them was Father Pinuccio Demarcus, who yesterday was among the group of relatives and friends present in Assisi for Father Angelo's final profession.

The example of the priests Angelo Calledda encountered in his childhood and adolescence undoubtedly influenced his choice, which over the years has consolidated until yesterday's crucial moment.

The choice

Father Angelo recently told the diocesan weekly L'Ortobene that the figure of Francis of Assisi was "decisive" in his journey and in his decision to embrace the Order of Friars Minor, after a period of discernment in the friary of Fonni, which led him to enter the Secular Franciscan Order in the fraternity of the Cathedral of Nuoro. He then spent a period of formation in Monteluco di Spoleto and finally received the Franciscan habit in the novitiate at San Damiano in Assisi, until his first temporary profession on August 28, 2021. Yesterday, his perpetual profession took place. The ceremony was attended by friends, relatives, and religious who played a role in Angelo Calledda's journey. It was a celebration for his community.

Father Angelo found his path by saying a "yes" that would be valid for his earthly life, thanks to the teachings of Saint Francis of Assisi. He thus chose to entrust himself to God, giving a gift to the community where he grew up, which will now appreciate his religious journey and perhaps serve as an example to other young people, just as the Fathers of the Church of the Graces were for him.

Joseph Deiana

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