NINO, I KNEW OF, IS A SERVANT OF GOD

 

 My contact with Nino was between 1997-2000, being with four Volunteers with Don Bosco CFB (Luciano Acarese, Borino, Gaetano, e Nino); the first three were colleagues in assisting the CFP boys and working at St. Gregorio, Catania, on daily basis. They were special bunch of persons dedicated to the Salesian mission. Nino would be accompanied in his especially abled car to visit us, meet his other CFB confreres with the eternal smile on his face while still in lying position. He seemed healthy and able from his hip, fit to do all that he can.

 Sometime back I read, the Hospital of Modica in Ragusa, Sicily, is being dedicated to the Servant of God Nino Baglieri (1951-2007), Volunteer with Don Bosco (CFB), under the title: 'Ospedale Maggiore Nino Baglieri'. “A fair recognition for the example that Nino Baglieri has left throughout his life." This Servant of God was born in Modica on May 1, 1951. By profession a bricklayer from the age of 17, Nino had only the elementary schooling. On May 6, 1968, he had a fall from a 17-meter-high scaffolding. Hospitalized, but Nino was completely paralyzed. He confronted it with bitterness. His mother Giuseppina courageously took take care of him for the rest of his life.

 Thus began Nino's agonizing path, of suffering, as he passed from one hospital to another, but without any improvement. Returning to his native town in 1970, after visiting friends, Nino began ten long dark years, stuck at home, in solitude and despair. On March 24, 1978, Good Friday, Nino felt a transformation within as a Charismatic group prayed over him. Then on, he accepted the Cross and said his "fiat" to God.

 He began reading the Bible and rediscovered the wonders of faith. While helping some kids with their homework, he learnt to write with his mouth. In this way, he wrote his memoir, wrote letters to different people in various parts of the world. He had designed some souvenir-images which he gifted to the visitors. He dialled telephone numbers with a rod held in mouth, and had direct contact with many sick people. His convincing word comforted them. Close relationships with many brought him out of isolation and led him to bear witness to the Gospel of joy and hope.

 
From 6 May 1982 onwards, Nino celebrated the Anniversary of the Cross and, the same year, he joined the Salesian Family as a Salesian Cooperator. On 31 August 2004, he made his perpetual profession among the Volunteers with Don Bosco (CDB). On March 2, 2007, at 8 am, Nino Baglieri, after a period of long-suffering and trial, returned to the Father. After death, he is dressed in overalls and sneakers, so that, as he said, “On my last journey to God, I will be able to run to meet him.” On 2 March 2014, the diocesan inquiry into the cause of beatification and canonization of Nino Baglieri was officially opened in the diocese of Noto (Syracuse).