Desenzano Celebrates Sant’Angela Merici with New Book and Events
Over the weekend, the faithful (and not only) in Desenzano will gather at the Duomo parish and in Piazza Malvezzi to participate in religious and secular celebrations dedicated to the city’s patroness: Sant’Angela Merici.
But there are not only traditional events. Desenzano has just hosted the presentation of a new book dedicated to the saint. The work was introduced to the press the other evening by its author, don Alberto Margoni, a 30-year-old priest from Desenzano and collaborator of the diocesan weekly «Verona fedele». Another official unveiling is scheduled for Friday.
The book presentation
This initiative, which is remarkable from a historical perspective, is thanks to the efforts of Valentino Marostica and Emanuele Giustacchini assessors; in particular, coinciding with the upcoming feast of the patron saint on Saturday.
The volume, titled «Angela Merici – the insight of secular spirituality» (Rubettino editions, 121 pages, 16,000 lire), has the merit of enriching the current debate on the figure of this woman, described as a «pioneer of Christian feminism». But above all, it offers the chance to clearly and effectively introduce a woman who played a significant role in the history of the church and society.
Planned initiatives and activities
Meanwhile, in Desenzano, the newly formed «Amici di Sant’Angela» group has produced a poster and placed a rose on each street sign, while at the end of April, the same group will organize a bicycle ride along the routes associated with the saint.
Not to mention that — also in a celebratory context — the municipal administration has created a video about Angela Merici’s life and work, along with a tourist-religious guide printed in two languages and distributed abroad: shortly, the work will be handed out to all compulsory school students.
Don Alberto’s book
Returning to don Alberto’s book, its most interesting feature is the brevity and conciseness of its texts: an analysis that nonetheless highlights the key moments and phases of Merici’s life.
In short, this is a publication that can be read in one sitting, containing episodes that are either unpublished or little known until now. Using the latest historiographical contributions, the young author has outlined the biographical profile of the founder of the original institution of Sant’Orsola’s company, analyzing her charism, which over the centuries has given rise to numerous religious institutes.
The preface to the book is written by Pietro Borzomati, one of the three lay members from around the world serving as consultor members of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. m.to.