SW News: Salesians in Italy recently celebrated the 105th birthday of their oldest confrere in the world. It was on May 16 that Fr Rodolfo Di Mauro SDB celebrated his birthday in the presence of Archbishop Luigi Renna of Cerignola-Ascoli Satriano and Bishop Emeritus Salvatore Gristina, Superior of the Community Fr Giovanni D’Andrea and other priests and brothers. He blew out 105 candles on the large cake marking the exceptional birthday.

According to the director of the Institute Don Giuseppe Cutrupi, Fr Rodolfo is their point of reference because of his exemplary life and routine. In spite of his advanced age and hearing difficulties, the post-centenarian priest is clear-minded and is well aware of current events and closely follows the news. The residents of the institute have given him a tablet which enables him to be abreast with developments on social media.

Fr Rodolfo is also passionate about celebrating important occasions with his confreres and taking care of relationships on social media networks. The world’s eldest Salesian begins his day at 7.30 am and he spends some time for his morning prayers with his Book of Office. It is followed by a frugal breakfast consisting of milk, biscuits and coffee. He then offers Holy Mass and takes part in the community lunch with gusto.

As is customary in Italy, Fr Rodolfo takes a siesta post-lunch after which it is time for a walk through the corridors, a word with the staff of the institute’s kitchen and enjoying the beauty of the countryside from the window of the oratory while soaking in the sight and sounds of boys playing outside. He also has words of advice for young people.

The 105-year-old Salesian said, “In this difficult district of the Etna capital, that of San Cristoforo, over the years I have overcome the fear of not making it in the face of the difficulties of the territory, realizing that it cannot be a limit to the proclamation of the Gospel; therefore, with constant obedience to my superiors, without ever complaining, I did and continue to do so with priestly passion, following God's will and under the protection of Mary Help of Christians".

Young people of the locality, the Catholic families, former students and the Salesian confreres are testimony to the immense trust of their beloved Fr Rodolfo in the Will of God and the protection of Maria Auxilium Christianorum or Mary Help of Christians, who is the patroness of the Salesians. The old priest was also instrumental in visiting various Salesian houses in that part of Italy and also establishing oratories for young boys just as their founder St Don Bosco did.
Fr Rodolfo is also much sought after for his excellent rhyming toasts for various occasions, both religious and secular in the local community.