Fr Charles Cini, SDB, writes:

A man is born to live, but he lives to die. Both life and death are a mystery, especially if one does not look at them in faith.

The death of our friend Tonio Casapinta came as a surprise to his family and friends.

Pope John XXIII, when he was on his deathbed, was approached by his secretary Loris Capovilla.

His secretary had the difficult role of informing the Pope of his incurable illness.

Pope John replied to his secretary: “My luggage is ready, I can go to meet the Lord when He wants”.

Knowing Tonio, I am sure that his luggage was ready to meet his Lord. I have known him for a very long time through the organisation of art exhibitions and fundraising events.

Tonio was a good man, a gentleman, very generous and sensitive to the needs of others.

A very creative and intelligent man, he was able to establish an empire of activities.

He was fond of his life and his work, aware of the difficulties of life. He was a very cultured man, and interested in many and  various different activities.

He loved his dear family, to whom he dedicated all his fatherly love, but especially he was a man of faith and he lived his Christian faith in practice.

Tonio was loved by his family and workers. I am sure that we are going to miss him in many ways. But he is now enjoying the merits of his hard work and sacrifices.

The death of Tonio is a lesson to us who are still struggling with everyday life. Our founder, Don Bosco, used to educate his boys to be always prepared to die and to face eternity.

We will continue to pray for Tonio Casapinta. May he rest in peace.