Beloved Priest Dies in Italy of COVID-19 After Giving His Respirator to Another Patient
In the midst of the COVID-19 virus crisis here in Europe and elsewhere around the world with the self-quarantining and economic shutdowns, light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. We’re in the midst of the most severe human suffering Europe has seen since WWII.
Father John Stone reported that Father Don Giuseppe Berardelli from Bergamo, Italy, passed away today from COVID-19 after having given his respirator to a younger patient he did not know only days earlier.
Berardelli was 72 years old and a Catholic priest who had spent a lifetime ministering in the COVID-19 epicenter of Bergamo, Italy. Italy is now the hardest hit country by the coronavirus in the world.
While the hoarding of food, face masks, toilet paper and medical supplies continues, Father Berardelli’s selfless demonstration of love—giving up his respirator so that another could live—stands out globally as a light and model for the world.
Berardelli is one of 50 Catholic priests who have died so far in Italy.
The Italian Civil Protection Department Headquarters and the Operational Committee reported today that there are 54,030 positive COVID-19 cases with 8.326 patients who have recovered and 6.820 deaths (March 24, 2020).
BBC World Service also reported that Italian Army trucks were called in and have been seen taking away bodies in coffins from hospitals and homes in the hard-hit area.
Italy needs our prayers.
Jesus said in John 15:13, “Greater love has no man than this: that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
Father Berardelli demonstrated the greatest love of all in the midst of Europe’s most severe crisis since WWII.
Even in his last breath, Berardelli’s life and character are a poignant and moving testament to Jesus Christ that will live in hearts forever.
