From fan to priest of the red and white club to bring the Gospel to the field and support the team in Serie C
Faith, hope and … football. Don Nunzio Falcicchio has always had a great passion for the Altamura team, the team of his city, of which he has been the spiritual assistant for three years. The almost symbiotic relationship between the 46-year-old priest and President Filippo Direnzo, meant that the Altamura area asked for the official role of this particular role to Monsignor Giuseppe Russo, bishop of the diocese of Altamura-Gravina-Acquaviva of the sources three months ago, who gave his approval. With the return to C of the red and white formation, preaching the Gospel on the grass of the playing field takes on an even more important Christian and sporting value.
Football and faith
–
For Don Nunzio, 46 years old, he is a chrism between the religious and the football, which further permeates his precious daily mission of parish priest of the church of the Most Holy Redeemer where the sports-cultural center “DM10” was built over two years ago in memory of Domenico Martimucci, the 26 -year -old midfielder, an innocent victim of a terrifying dynamite attack in a games room, hatched by the extortion racket. “I have always had the Altamura in my heart. Among other things, at 13 I also made a audition to enter the youth sector of Puglia Sport. I was the attacker, if necessary I also gave a hand in defense. I got it quite well. But, I decided to make a different choice of life by entering the seminary, to embark on the journey of faith. Football continues to passionate me. I became the spiritual father of the Altamura team three years ago, establishing a beautiful relationship with the managers, technicians and players. The victory of the Serie D championship in the past season filled me with joy. The landing between professionals is something wonderful for this city and for our fans “.
fan
–
Don Nunzio when he was a small one played football. He became a priest in 2003. As a child his dad Antonio led him to see the Altamura matches of which he was fond of. “I attended memorable challenges-he says-I also celebrate the two historical promotions in C2, the first with the coach Franco Di Benedetto (1988-89 ed), the second thanks to the collective trained by Ezio Capuano (1995-96 ed) . I am also a fervent follower of Bari. I often saw the formation in which Maiellaro and Joao Paulo played at work, as well as I was thrilled by the performance of Conte and Ventura “.
Serie C
–
In his heart, however, the Altamura team remains above all. The new adventure in C of the red and white, which began with some difficulties, is now proceeding at swollen sails. “The beginning was not easy, also because we played the races at home at the” San Nicola “in Bari -he declares -. Then, we had to enter the right spirit of C. In the first two days I saw the boys who are a little disappointed and embittered. I met them and said: “I hugged to be an even stronger group.” It was a sign of benevolence and at the same time as a rescue. Then came victories and points. The return to the home stadium, “Tonino d’Angelo”, proved to be fundamental to give a certain continuity to the results. I must say that I was surprised and admired by human skills, not only football, the members of the technical staff and athletes. It was important to make them understand that I am there, at any time. Once a week I go to the field to greet them, dialogue, talk about personal things reservedly, exchange opinions also on the last game played and on what will come. Often some players come to visit me in the parish and follow the mass. A splendid sharing relationship was created. We must all try to be an example of virtue such as generosity, humility, the spirit of sacrifice, healthy competitiveness and joy. They are important human and temperamental resources also in football “.
at the stadium
–
The game is the most exciting moment. Don Nunzio is punctually present in the stands and before the dispute takes the field to give the “five” to the team. “It’s nice to live the competitive spirit of the race. As a fan I always hope the victory arrives. Obviously, it is not always the case. But the team is playing a protagonist championship. Sometimes I followed the red and white even outside the home, as in Picerno and Potenza. Being the spiritual assistant of a football team is an extraordinary experience because I believe it is essential to live in the places of everyday life following the teachings of our Lord Jesus; Sport is one of these places par excellence. I especially try to instill the culture of the embrace. In this the boys of Altamura are truly commendable in having received the profound meaning of my message “.
faith
–
Between one prayer and another, Don Nunzio follows the ball that rolls with warm interest. “Serie C football is hard and competitive. The Altamura team is doing its part in full. It is a well -organized collective. The goal is to reach the 42 points as soon as possible to reach salvation. Then, maybe we could also wink in the playoffs … “. Who knows, the blessing could make the difference this time too.
© RESERVED REPRODUCTION