AFRICA - Farewell missionary and journalist Father Paolo Costantini

Friday, 12 April 2019 missionary animation   mass media   missionaries   evangelization  

Treviglio (Agenzia Fides) – Missionary and journalist: is how Paolo Costantini defined himself, already an established director of the press agency of Padri Bianchi (Missionaries of Africa) in Brussels, then of the magazine <>. Father Paolo, 78, passed away suddenly between the evening of 11 and 12 April in Treviglio (Bg). He entered the seminary at a very young age. It was there that he learned about the Missionaries of Africa and decided to dedicate his life to the cause. His first post was in Algeria and later RD Congo (then Zaire), where he spent many years before being sent to Belgium. In Brussels he worked for the press agency of the Padri Bianchi. Upon his return to Italy he was then assigned to Treviglio, where he was responsible for the newsroom and administration of “Africa”.

“I carried out my missionary work first in Africa and then through the media. Both experiences, for which I care for deeply, have enriched my life” he said earlier during a press meeting in Treviglio. Father Paolo was a devout priest, and messenger of a humble yet deep spirituality. Attentive to evangelical values conveyed to those who knew him, living by example and his professional commitment.

These very same abilities convinced him to drive the transition which is now leading the magazine “Africa” toward a new asset, which no longer has the Padri Bianchi as a the main owner. “The Padri Bianchi are old and dwindling – he said in numerous accounts – but they don’t want the magazine to be discontinued. The tradition should continue, carried forward by lay people that believe in it.” A prophetic vision left to his fellow missionaries and readers of "Africa". (EC) (Agenzia Fides 12/4/2019)


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