Now in its sixth year, the Day of Remembrance of the Deceased Donor, organized by the Provincial Avis of Catanzaro, closed the calendar of summer events in Catanzaro.
When Deceased Donor Remembrance Day Was Born
The event began 15 years ago following the untimely passing of the young vice president of Avis Conflenti. On that occasion, the Avisini volunteers of Conflenti, Motta Santa Lucia, Martirano Lombardo, Platania, San Pietro Apostolo, and Soveria Mannelli wanted to remember the dear Giuseppe Filippis. It subsequently became a regular event. Year after year, summer after summer, Avis Conflenti reserves a moment of reflection and commemoration for all deceased donors. Subsequently, a group of local residents from the Tyrrhenian Sea became involved in the event, fully embracing it. For several years, a randomly chosen date was established to remember all deceased donors. Since 2014, however, it has become an even more important event. At the request of the Conflenti Avis board of directors, the event was institutionalized, transforming from a local initiative to a provincial one. Since then, it has been held annually on the third Sunday of September.
The new features introduced and the 2019 edition
Since last year, the event has become itinerant. On September 7th, 8th, and 10th, three days of reflection preceded yesterday's final event. Respectively in Curinga (for the Tyrrhenian area), Gimigliano (for the upper Ionian area), and Chiaravalle (for the lower Ionian area), the communities gathered in prayer and lit the "Torch of Remembrance," which arrived in Conflenti yesterday. Here, the procession of banners, which started from Avis Volunteer Street, led all the volunteers to the Minor Basilica. Before Holy Mass, celebrated by Father Adamo Castagnaro, the memorial was unveiled. This year, it was a painting.
A tall, strong, and sturdy tree stands majestically with green foliage and long branches. It symbolizes a "hymn to life." The noble and loving gesture of human nature, which, by sprinkling lifeblood on our brothers and sisters in need, alleviates suffering and grants a dignified life. The evening concluded with the opening of food stands, further fostering community among all the Avisio volunteers.
