1914-2003

Father Alberto was born in Rimini on December 19, 1914, the son of Giuseppe Agostini and Filomena Astolfi.  He made his religious profession in 1935 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1939. 

He worked in Italy for seven years during the Second World War, first as a teacher at Varallo Sesia (1939-1940) and then at the Certosa di Pesio which had been converted into a home for old people evacuated from a bombed out shelter in Turin.  The old people found refuge in the quiet and beauty of the mountains and a true friend in a young missionary devoted to the ministry of consolation.  In that troubled situation his good nature made him attentive, sharing and kind – qualities that would become even more apparent in later commitments. 

In 1946 he left for Brazil and remained there for the next fifty-two years.  The courage and free spirit of one of his fellow passengers on the ocean voyage made a profound impression on him and he wrote in his diary:  “We have so much to learn from these men who fear nothing, who throw themselves into the breach without a second thought – audaces fortuna juvat (fortune favors the bold).  Our boldness must reflect and exceed theirs!  Our enterprise is spiritual: winning  souls and spreading the kingdom.  If natural boldness can achieve extraordinary results and overcome situations that seemed hopeless to weaker spirits, what could we not achieve with a firm will, ready for everything, guided by Divine Wisdom and supported by irresistible, supernatural and almighty power!  We must move forwards and be prepared to sacrifice anything to achieve everything! We must follow this  heroic plan every minute of the day, in every sphere of activity and in every situation of our life.  The results will be abundant even if invisible to human eyes.  Our crown as apostles will shine like the sun forever.  We have but one password:  To Dare!  Dare always, dare everything, with humble, Christian, Divine boldness!  We cannot fail.”

From 1947 to 1950 he taught mathematics, algebra, Latin, Greek, systematic and moral theology at the Philosophy and Theology Seminary of  São Manuel.  He was an enthusiastic mentor who not only taught the assigned subjects but instilled enthusiasm for the missions in his young students.  On weekends he did pastoral supply work at the many missions scattered across the coffee plantations. 

In 1949, Father Domenico Fiorina, Delegate Superior of Brazil, became the Superior General of the Institute and Father Alberto Agostini was appointed Delegate Superior in his place.  He held this position for three terms – sixteen years in all.  They were difficult years – the turbulent sixties,  times of protest.  Father Alberto was patient, a brother amongst brothers, guileless, sometimes reduced to tears…

Once his long term as superior came to an end he returned to teaching and pastoral work in various places: São Paulo (1966), Sorocaba (1969) and then in 1971, Três de Maio where he was pastor for twelve years.  When he left the parish in 1983, Father Gianni Basso, the assistant pastor, wrote, “He was a kind and humble father to me;  open to discussion, ready to answer questions, always concerned for my well-being and adjustment to a new work environment.  I admired Father Alberto as a man of God who gave himself completely to proclaiming the Gospel with faith, hope and above all charity for all men.”

Sister Anita Viapiana who worked on the same team with Father Alberto for many years wrote:  “Many Christians, both lay and religious, found their place in the church at the Três de Maio parish.  Father Alberto’s sensitivity, teaching and encouragement as a missionary helped them feel even more Christian. 

Father Alberto’s pastoral method emphasized decentralization and inspired  freedom of action and creativity in his helpers.  He was a quiet man of great depth and simple wisdom.  He demonstrated great openness to this Church and helped it progress and renew itself continually.  He devoted most of his efforts to the creation of small faith communities that shared friendship and commitment to each other and to the needy.  He made it clear that all pastoral activity should concentrate on building these communities to create a living Church.”

Other comments emphasize his commitment to forming individuals for leadership in Church and civil life; he strove to create leaders who could carry the parish pastoral plan forward.  Thanks to his efforts Três de Maio became a dynamic parish with fourteen diaconates in the city and thirty-six rural communities where the ministry flourished. 

In 1983 Father Alberto returned to São Paulo as Regional Vice-Superior.  He did pastoral work in the favelas and acted as Pastoral Secretary and member of the Justice and Peace Commission.

In 1998 he suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and returned to the house at Alpignano in Italy.  He was always smiling and cheerful –  almost playful.  With the passage of time his faculties faltered and he was confined to bed in an almost vegetative state.  For several years he concelebrated Mass in the infirmary chapel.  Later Father Genta celebrated Mass alone with him.  He would spend hours in the chapel with his eyes fixed on the tabernacle.  Being a priest was very important to him.  On April 25, 2003, he returned to Our Father’s house.

He was a genuine priest, a man of great spiritual depth,  full of missionary zeal,  loyal to the Institute and Blessed Allamano, a devoted son of Our Lady, the Consolata.  He was well versed in Holy Scripture and went directly to the sources – Latin, Greek and Hebrew – to get at the essence as he put it.  He was articulate and knew several languages – his eloquence matched his life.

He defended and promoted a social apostolate based on the Second Vatican Council whose spirit he defended in the communities of the area.  He had an open mind and an open heart – a man of childlike simplicity.  He leaves a legacy of faith and love of God and the brethren that will survive time and death.

Msgr. Aldo Mongiano who knew him in Brazil presided at his funeral  on April 28.  There were many concelebrants.  The Bishop’s homily evoked family feeling and warmed the hearts of all present.  After Communion Father Silvano Sabatini gave a testimonial that recalled his decline and the loss of memory that left Father Alberto stranded in the past.  He was a brother and a friend, a kind and patient man with a great love of peace and harmony in the family.  Strengthened by the Word of God, open to the Holy Spirit and given to hours of prayer Father Alberto managed to survive his protracted sufferings.  Father Sabatini concluded the service by invoking the protection of his friend and brother for himself and for the Institute which he had served so faithfully in his adopted country for fifty-two years.

Father Alberto was laid to rest in the cemetery at Alpignano.

Father Jordão Maria Pessatti

Father Giuseppe Mina

and the Editorial Staff of Da Casa Madre