by Paolo Vizzacchero
With lively emotion and profound gratitude, I am going to share, together with you, an anniversary that is particularly close to my heart: the centenary of the birth of Father Gabriele Pietro Amorth (May 1, 1925-1 May 2025), the famous Pauline Modenese priest, Mariologist, exorcist of the diocese of Rome, journalist and writer. This feeling of gratitude, towards the dear Father Gabriele, accompanied me since our first meeting, when I received the grace of knowing him and even more when he showed himself of great help for a family member, affected by a bad spiritual nature. I must admit that at the time I lived more as incredulous than as a believer and the Lord entrusted to this good shepherd the arduous task of bringing me back to his flock. In reality, Father Amorth knew how to become “model” of all the flock, according to the heart of God, taking care, with dedication and charity, of many souls, especially of the most tribulated in the body and spirit.
In fact, the commitment made, with extreme humility, in his Ministry of Exorcist who considered a “completion” of his priesthood and who inherited from his great master Father Candido Amantini, the exorcist of the Scala Santa, soon showing that he was soon to be at his height, as a true “fighter”, indomitable and tireless, in the strenuous fight against the evil one, is well known. I had the privilege of becoming his auxiliary and assisting him in the prayers of exorcism, together with his other collaborators, and I can assure you that Father Gabriele certainly did not let himself be intimidated by the devil, well aware that who is united to Christ, are not afraid of anything. In fact, he was not missing from saying that Satan is powerful, but God is omnipotent! In his preachings, floating from the Holy Spirit, he taught us that the “good battle” faces himself with his head held high, in truth, learning to forgive, bless, to pray and fortify us in faith through the gift of the sacraments, to fully experience the beauty and wealth of a life of grace.
In his words he never failed to dedicate an affectionate thought to the Virgin Mary, towards whom he nourished a filial love and a special veneration. He, who had been consecrated to his Immaculate Heart even before being born and, who had received protection and extraordinary thanks from the celestial mother throughout his life, invited everyone to consecrate himself to her, to take refuge under her mantle and pray with devotion the Holy Rosary, a “infallible” weapon to defend us from the pitfalls of the tempter. I am convinced that his teachings still echo in the memory of those who packed the churches to listen to his catechesis, followed his interviews and radio interventions and read his books and articles, but above all his testimony remains indelible for many lost hearts who have found comfort and courage on their journey of faith and conversion. I cannot deny that, from 16 September 2016, the day of his departure, his lack makes himself heard but, for us who we have rejoiced to his light “, remains a” lamp that burns and shines “(Jn 5:35).
