«I like to think of her before the Lord as she reaps the fruits of the beauty that she has sown in so many examples of life». It is with this intense and contemplative image that Don Pietro Guerini opened the homily for the funeral of Valentino Garavanicelebrated on Friday morning in the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, in Rome.
In his memory of the great stylist, the priest immediately linked the category of beauty to Christian hope, underlining that «beauty saves, and produces dreams that change the world».
Addressing the master of high fashion directly, Don Guerini continued: «Dear Valentino, most esteemed teacher, today we accompany you in your meeting with the Lord. We can only imagine and say in timid words the wonder of the encounter with the greatness of God.”
At the center of the homily, a reflection on beauty as a discreet but powerful manifestation of the divine in daily life: «Free the beauty that belongs to him, that passes through this world, the shadows of the world. Here is the divine beauty, it is hidden in the minutiae and in the usual positive gestures, in the smiling face, in the word full of heart». A beauty that does not ignore pain, but passes through it and transfigures it: “Even in illness, in failure, in evil and forgiveness, here is divine beauty.”
Anna Wintour at the funeral
(REUTERS)
Looking at the ultimate horizon of faith, the priest added: «Dear Valentino, upon entering the life of God you encounter all the fragments of human history in which beauty has won, she was liberated, she redeemed death. I like to imagine her before the Lord in this universal vision.”
At the end, Don Guerini’s thanks for a testimony that was able to combine art, faith and gratitude: «Master Valentino, you now encounter this divine beauty that saves and generates fruit. Beauty that falls in love. Thanks for witnessing it. His works have laid down new visions and a new divine wisdom. She always thanked the Lord for what he gave her every day. Our thanks and our praise for the treasure of beauty that she was able to generate and share.”
During the offertory, one of the most touching moments of the celebration, the Basilica was surrounded by the notes of the‘Hail Mary by Schubert. Numerous floral tributes at the entrance: from that of Sophia Lorenwith the message «Always in my heart», to those of the Armani family, by Lavinia Biagiotti, of the Crown Princes of Norway and the National Chamber of Fashion. Claudia Schiffer he chose a single red rose.
Giancarlo Giammetti embraces the priest at the end of the funeral
(REUTERS)
Deeply moved by the surprise intervention of Vernon Bruce Hoeksema, Valentino’s last companion, who spoke in English through tears: «He was the person I was talking to, not who I was talking about. This is what I will miss the most.” And he concluded: “I’m not saying goodbye today, but thank you.”
Giancarlo Giammetti, historic collaborator and friend, recalled how Valentino taught him the most authentic meaning of beauty, announcing that the shared path will continue through a foundation intended to preserve his memory.
The funeral ended with long emotional applause. As the guests left, the coffin was accompanied to the tune of Our concert by Umberto Bindi. Above, a cushion of white roses, the only type of flowers allowed in the Basilica for the celebration. The body was then transferred to the Flaminio – Prima Porta cemetery. A final greeting in the name of that beauty which, as Don Guerini recalled in the homily, saves and generates life.
