Reading this biography of don Carlo Gnocchi leaves you with more than admiration for his boundless devotion. It inspires you to follow his example within your own limits and possibilities. Here is how the author tells it: this Lombard priest (1902–1956) was, in the words of Cardinal Martini's prefatory note, "a man of keen intelligence, remarkable gift for communication, a born educator." He was seized by an irresistible desire to help, uplift, and serve as a father figure to the many children maimed by the weapons of the last war. This desire was born from promises he had made during the Russian retreat to his Alpine soldiers, who as they died in his arms entrusted their families to his care.
Overcoming considerable obstacles, he became a pioneer in seeking out these children, gathering them together, and restoring to them the means for a dignified life—a truly human life, despite their grave disabilities.
I strongly recommend this book. Every reader will find in it reason to strengthen their own commitment to our most vulnerable brothers and sisters, who are ever more in need of loyal and generous friends.
Mariangela Bertolini, 2006