P. Renzo Vignato
Gambellara (Vicenza), 6 giugno 1945
Parma, 10 agosto 1988
Lavorò nelle Case Saveriane e in Sierra Leone. Di anni 43. Sepolto nel paese nativo
Il p. Vignato ebbe una vita lineare che lo portò da Gambellara, dove nacque il 6 giugno 1945, all'ordinazione sacerdotale a Parma nel 1970 attraverso le comuni tappe del cammino formativo saveriano.
La prima attività affidatagli fu l'animazione missionaria, specialmente dei giovani, nella zona di Vicenza. Il carattere gioviale e ottimista gli facilitarono il compito.
Nel 1974 fu chiamato a Parma come vice-economo e, nell'anno seguente, economo della Regione saveriana d'Italia.
Nel 1982, dopo la preparazione linguistica a Londra, raggiunse la Sierra Leone, felice di dedicarsi finalmente all'attività missionaria diretta. Lavorò a Lunsar col p. Stefani. Nel 1986 fu nominato consigliere ed economo regionale.
Alla fine di quell'anno, con improvvisi e inspiegabili svenimenti, si manifestarono i primi sintomi del male che lo costrinsero a tornare in Italia l'anno seguente.
Fu diagnosticato un tumore al cervello, e per estirparlo si tentò una delicata operazione chirurgica. Pareva risuscitato. Fu curato con premurosa attenzione a casa sua e a Parma. Ma il male continuò a minare lentamente le resistenze del suo organismo.
Morì a Parma nella Casa Madre il 10 agosto 1988.
È sepolto nel paese nativo.
Fr. Renzo Vignato
Gambellara (Vicenza), 6 giugno 1945
Parma, 10 agosto 1988
Fr. Renzo Vignato died at the Mother House in Parma on Aug. 10 1988, because of a cerebral tumor. He was 43 years old, born on June 6 1945 at Gambellara (Vicenza).
Fr. Vignato followed the formation curriculum of the time. He entered at the Xaverian house in Vicenza on Oct. 29 1956. He moved to Zelarino, and then S. Pietro in Vincoli for the year of Novitiate. On Oct. 3 1962 he professed religious vows. After his studies of theology in Parma, he was ordained a priest on Sept. 27 1970.
His first activity was mission education and vocation promotion among the youth of Vicenza, helped by his jovial and optimistic character.
He was called to Parma to give a hand in the economy, and then was elected Regional Treasurer of the Italian province. During his funeral eulogy, the Superior General recalled: “After seven years of service in Provincial Economy and ten in the Congregation in Italy, he wrote to the Superior General one of the few letters we have: ‘I decided to write to you, even though the pen seemed always heavy to me… I can assure you that I am well, serene and content, feeling fulfilled in my service, without many setbacks even among confreres, who oftentimes show publicly their deep appreciation for my service… Yet, everything is going too well. If I don’t leave now, I don’t think I will be able to do it later on. Try to understand my small personal drama. If I am not fit to leave for the missions, then, tell me so, that I can plan my life with different goals and don’t repeat to myself and others promises that will not be fulfilled. Still, my small anxiety would remain’ (Jan. 28 1980) These words represent Fr. Renzo: his constant wish to leave for the missions, and his willingness to be available through obedience; his personal serenity and his ability to do the work with much appreciation from all; his simplicity and openness, and the ease with which he operated everywhere.” (Funeral Homily of Fr. General)
After a period of English language studies in London, he finally reached Sierra Leone in 1982, happy to dedicate himself to direct mission activity. He worked at Lunsar, together with Fr. Stefani, and was also named Councilor and Regional Treasurer of Sierra Leone in 1986.
And from a letter to his mother, we can find his love and reasons of his vocation: “You are with me always, because my missionary vocation is first and foremost fruit of your prayers and sacrifices. Therefore, you will receive the same merits and recompense. Please remember me in your prayers, for I count of you! May the Lord continue to assist you and help you.” (Jan. 10 1984)
Unfortunately, at the end of 1986, he was diagnosed with tumor at the brain, which required his abrupt return to Italy, where he underwent a delicate operation at the brain to remove the tumor. Things seem to go well, at first, but later on the disease appeared again in full force. He received the care of his own family members, and later, of his confreres in Parma, till the day he died on Aug. 10 1988.
May the Lord welcome him into Paradise.
