He killed the priest of the last one, that’s how Don Roberto was – Chronicle

Como, September 15, 2020 – The murder of Don Roberto Malgesini, stabbed this morning in Como by one of those desperate people who welcomed and cared for with love, caused pain and emotion in the city. Many remember him as a meek and kind man, the “Saint next door”, as defined by the Bishop of Como. An anecdote is worth remembering for everyone because of his gentle nature. Had been fined for distributing breakfast to the homeless in the city “defying” the rules imposed by the center-right junta. At the end of last year, when Mayor Landriscina banned the distribution of food to the poor amid Caritas protests, Don Roberto and other volunteers continued to feed them and the local police had inflicted a fine, then ” archived ”. “He hadn’t reacted, remember those close to him, no comment, no interviews”

At the scene of the crime, a few meters from the entrance to the church of San Rocco, one formed this morning. crowd of faithful, parishioners and immigrants. The coffin at the beginning was accompanied by applause. “Where is the gift? No, it can’t be him,” says an immigrant aloud.

Anyone who knew him well knows how much the city will now be orphaned without Don Roberto. “’Bishop Diego Coletti sent me, she told me to go see a little, to gain experience. And here I am”. Don Virginio Colmegna, president of the Casa della Carità in Milan, remembers the arrival of Don Roberto. “Valtellineses of origin and showed a kind, delicate and attentive boy, with a soft voice as if he did not want to disturb and with a child’s face but with an ‘effective and concrete’ presence like all mountain people. His – adds De Molli – was a polite but definitely effective presence, capable of tiptoeing into the relationship with the guests and also with the volunteers. He could barely see him, but he could feel his presence. Free to choose where to sit, naturally he placed himself in the showers where the latest of the latest served. “

After a year at the Casa della Carità he returned to the diocese of Como ready to “serve the Lord in the last”. “The last time we saw each other was due to the massive presence of refugees in Como – concludes Colmegna -. We called him and he immediately came to introduce us to the refugees huddled outside the station waiting to attempt the passage to Switzerland. I knew many of them, it was clear that he felt at home ”.