Francesco Bonifacio - Minister in Villa Gardossi

Minister in Villa Gardossi

On July 13, 1939 he was appointed as the minister of Villa Gardossi or Crassizza (now Krasica), a small borough located in the Buiese area positioned on the road between Buie and Grisignana, by the Bishop of Trieste Antonio Santin. The community was made up of a few small villages, (Baredine, Punta, Lozzari, Buzzai, Gardossi, Monte Cini, Musolini, Stazia Loy, Costellaz, Braichi and Radani), and at the time had a population of 1300 people, most of them peasants. The young priest lived this office with his usual obedience and determination. He encouraged his family, having following him there, that it was normal for him to be there, because God had his reasons for having put him there. They all lived into the two stories house with very little conveniences. The house were no running water or electricity; food was sober and scarce, but even in this condition, Don Francesco shared his little food with the poorest parishioners whenever they needed it. Don Francesco, as he was now addressed performed his sacerdotal duty toward every component of his parish with a special attention to its youth, children, elders, and sick. He quickly organized the Azione Cattolica movement and a choir in the parish. He taught religion at the local school and began a little library at the same time. He made almost daily visit to the villages of his parish, using a bicycle or even going on foot. He was good to everyone, said later Mrs. Bianca Ridossi, then chairman of the local Azione Cattolica. He preached the gospel in a simple way and his style liked by the people.