Elio Croce – edizione inglese
Comboni Missionary Brother
Prefazione di Giulio Albanese
Collana: TelemacoElio Croce was born in Moena on 3rd April, 1946. Characterised by his lively temperament, while still an adolescent he was drawn to the life of the Comboni missionaries and the idea of dedicating his life to others.
At the age of twelve, he entered the Comboni Brothers’ vocational school in Thiene. His technical studies were accompanied by a desire to “serve God” as a follower of Daniele Comboni.
His mission began in 1971 in Northern Uganda, in Kitgum, working in St. Joseph’s hospital. In 1985 he was called to Gulu, to the large St Mary’s hospital in Lacor, expanded by Lucille and Piero Corti. Here for twenty years he defied guerrilla warfare and faced an Ebola epidemic in 2000.
Courage, faith, charity are the dimensions of an adventurous and fascinating life. He knew how to do everything and taught many how to work. Tireless in organising the hospital to cope with any emergency, he was fearless in the face of danger. When in need, people called on him, a man of genius and gruffness, smiling and decisive, brave and loving, generous and strong.
After over 40 years in hospitals, serving the sick and the poor, his last work was a church, large and beautiful, for the people of the neighbourhood that grew up around the hospital.
Infected with Covid-19, he joined his Maker on 11th November, 2020, St. Martin’s Day.
