The church was as full as it is too rarely in these times of desacralization.
But more than the faithful, it was mostly friends who were there. In fact, the word “friendship” was mentioned and repeated several times during the speeches delivered at this celebration on the occasion of Father Gil Fiorini’s 30 years of priestly service, parish priest of Saint-Pierre d’Arène and dean of Nice Centre.
Atypical and versatile, Father Gil Fiorini is quite the character: a successful singer (he could be a good professional), a concert organizer (his church on Rue de France could serve as a concert hall), a horse breeder, a pastis distiller, a seller of artisanal products (honey, jams)… Yet, he remains, nonetheless, a man of the church where he holds several responsibilities, in addition to those already mentioned, being the director of the diocesan magazine and the organizer of pilgrimages.
But, not to be drawn into otium (…the father of all vices), he is also president of the association managing the Sanctuary of the Madonna of Utelle and the adjacent convent, which has been transformed into a residence for the joy of tourists and pilgrims who love to visit this place of devotion and explore the region.
As one might say, if we were not addressing a parish priest… this man works like a busy bee!
But between one idea and the next, Father Gil Fiorini is also a man of action and… blessing: His thematic masses have become famous: Animals, objects like mobile phones, find the hand that makes the sign of the cross to accompany them on their journey and especially protect their owners.
The most famous are, the Artists’ Mass (are they all believers? …After all, what importance) and the blessing of the bikers, on August 15th at the Madonna of Utelle. Each year, at least 1,500 of them come seeking this sacred yet deeply humane gesture from Father Gil Fiorini. Incidentally, last night, at the church exit, the Harleys of the Heart (the biker group supporting sick or disabled children) gave their own honor guard to their “friend.”
A very beautiful late afternoon, friendly and full of humanity with people who lingered to chat on the sidewalk until nightfall. Proof that the need for humanity is great and that people need someone like Father Fiorini to maintain or rediscover a sense of fraternity.
We eagerly await the opening of his latest endeavor, the Cultural and Social Center that will emerge under the church and that, we are certain, Father Gil Fiorini will transform into a hub of life for the neighborhood residents.
For this, we can trust his words: “it’s with audacity, conviction, courage, and perseverance that we must move forward.”
No doubt that Father Gil Fiorini applies them in their fullest sense.
Long life, Father Fiorini, and ad maiora
