by Andrea Gagliarducci
Everyone remembers him for his smile, his affability, and his role as a priest among the people. Or better yet, a “living catechism,” as Marilena Dragone and Giuseppe Gagliarducci write in a slim book dedicated to the life of Father Lodovico Santoro, a doctrinaire who passed away in 2018.
Father Lodovico Santoro. The Life of a Doctrinaire Donated “Without Measure” is published by Edizioni Dottrinari and was launched in Pontecorvo, in the province of Frosinone, on March 21st. Pontecorvo, after all, has been the home of the Doctrinaires since 1789, and it is one of the homes where this tireless pastor from Cilento, in Campania, lived. He twice found himself in the ancient papal enclave on the slopes of Montecassino, with a long interlude in Vittoria, Sicily, where he founded, among other things, two parishes that are still very active.
We are witnessing a life that generates fruit and leaves behind memories, following in the footsteps of those Pope Francis called “the saints next door,” particularly in his apostolic exhortation Gaudete et Exsultate. A memory made up of small things. Marilena Dragone, concluding her presentation, indulged in personal memories, because for her, Father Santoro was at home. And she emphasized precisely this ability of Father Santoro to be there; and to be a family with everyone.
Father Sergio La Pegna, Superior General of the Doctrinaries, emphasized Father Santoro’s simple sanctity, his ability to forge lasting relationships simply by remaining true to himself. A doctrinarie, Father La Pegna noted, who had never traveled outside of Italy, yet had strong ties to doctrinaries communities around the world. The proceeds from this book will go to the community of Kirundo in Burundi, whose parish and house, which hosts catechetical activities, are named after Father Santoro.
Brother Enzo Arcadipane, a professed doctrinarie, highlighted the multifaceted personality of Father Santoro, a contemporary of John Paul II, who loved to recall how he had studied at the Angelicum at the same time that Karol Wojtyła arrived at the Dominican University to complete his studies.
The mayor of Pontecorvo, Anselmo Rotondo, who wrote the introduction to the volume, also testified to the influence Father Santoro had on the community. He also wanted to honor Father Santoro’s memory with some personal recollections.
Father Santoro had been awarded the title of honorary citizen of Pontecorvo, as well as Vittoria, and this testifies to his ability to become part of the communities he served, to be there without ever imposing himself, to be able to touch people’s hearts without ever asking for anything in return.
This is ultimately the meaning of the book’s title: that “without measure” that speaks of a total gift of self, a “living catechism,” preached by example and faith.
Father Santoro didn’t like being photographed. Therefore, the precious images, found thanks to his family who were present at the presentation, published in the book, portray him at various moments in his life. Always smiling. Always affable. Always a priest, forever.
The evening in Pontecorvo for the launch of the book about Father Santoro
