Celebration of Father Pierino's 75th birthday

Published by Bro. Joseph Victor RATAFITANIAINA, SMM in Madagascar · Thursday 25 Jan 2024
Tags: NU, MAD, 1124

TAMATAVE, Madagascar - This Monday, January 22, 2024, Fr. Pietro (Pierino) LIMONTA, SMM, celebrated his 75th birthday. Just like the diamond must be cut through a specific process to acquire the brilliance and shape that charms the sight. So, too, the life of a consecrated person is shaped gradually with the wear and tear of years and through a continual process of apostolic dedication and interior life.

These lines of 75 years of life, especially being a missionary is not easy.

“In fact, I did not encounter any great difficulties in my mission,” he says:

In 1977, I received a letter from Fr. Carlo BERTON, SMM superior of the Entity in Madagascar, telling me: “You are called to come to Madagascar to work as missionaries; your employers are the Malagasy people of God.” So during my missionary life, I was aware and convinced that the priest is not a priest for himself but for others, to be at the service of others. This conviction motivates me to engage in direct pastoral ministry: in the bush, close to poor people. Until now, I have always had the enthusiasm to serve these people. This is why these words capture my life: closeness, tenderness, compassion.

United with Christ at the table of the Holy Eucharist, to enhance the birthday of our dear Pierino, fellow priests and brothers gathered at the chapel of the Pre-postulancy in Salazamay Tamatave on this day. Then a fraternal meal was shared together. Finally, the enthusiastic missionary, having reached his 75th birthday, submitted a letter of resignation as parish priest to the bishop of the diocese, following the canon law of the Catholic Church. Happy Birthday Father! Long life! Health! Endless love and happiness!

Joseph Victor RATAFITANIAINA SMM

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