ENGLISH

“Youthful dreams”

Cheerful and lively by nature, Antonio was a happy and optimistic lad who was regarded fondly by companions and teachers alike, but when he entered the Seminary, there were still aspects of his characters which needed to be improved. Yet, his character soon changed, and he became a model student in his class.

Influenced by his father’s comments, Antonio harboured deep admiration for military life. Hence, on 16 August 1910, he was happy to respond to the call to arms. It did not take him long to note the unhealthy atmosphere in the barracks and was deeply affected by this. He led many a discussion with fellow soldiers who were anti-religion but who were glad to hear him out.

On 1st May 1914, Antonio was ordained priest in the Cathedral in Rimini, along with another five clerics. The following day he celebrated his First Mass in the small Mestre Pie church in his village, and the day afterwards, in the main church of St Peter’s.

At that time I had many things that needed pruning, improving and building up. Even though the Christian education I had got in my family was excellent, my manners were those of a peasant and of an undisciplined youth.

(Autobiography, A kid changed into a lamb)



From the seminary library I borrowed a big terrestrial globe, and kept it for a month. It was a pleasure for me to look at continents and oceans, although I didn't formulate any dreams for the future.

(Autobiography, Youthful Phantasies)



But what disgusted and saddened me were the swearing and obscene talk that I had to listen to in the dormitory. (…) If there had been military Chaplains in the barracks, how much good they could have done for those young conscripts!

(Autobiography, Soldier of the Fatherland)