On Sunday, October 7, 2001 more than 30 Sisters from the American Province gathered in St. Peter's Square as part of an extended Baptistine "family" of over 5,000 to witness the Beatification of Fr. Alfonso Maria Fusco.  Sisters, members of the clergy, Lay Associates, colleagues and friends of the Baptistine Sisters came from 16 countries to participate in this singular moment in the Congregation's history. A green  and white scarf displaying  multi-lingual translations of the Founder's words: "I wish that even my shadow might do good" readily identified all guests in the Baptistine group. 

     Over 2,000 people traveled from Alfonso Fusco's hometown of Angri, Italy for the occasion including many members  of Bl. Alfonso Maria Fusco's family.  Large numbers of lay people accompanied the Baptistine Sisters from Chile, Korea and the Philippines.  Outside of Italy, the largest group of Sisters  came from Zambia, Africa -  Gershom Chizuma's homeland.  

     Gershom is the young boy whose immediate and compete healing was accepted by the Vatican as having come through the intercession of Bl. Alfonso Fusco and was the final miracle needed for Alfonso's Beatification. (See below for more details).  Gershom's mother and younger sister attended as did the doctor who first treated Gershom  along with his wife, a Zambian priest and an Italian Franciscan priest who was part of the team that investigated the authenticity of the cure.

 Sr. John Agnes, C.S.JB -  Provincial Superior of the American Province:
      "It was simply a very moving experience to be part of  this great celebration.  The spirit was wonderful and we shared so many beautiful times together with our Sisters from all over the world.  You could sense the charism of the Founder in all the events that took place, most especially when processing through the streets of Angri.  The warmth and the prayerfulness of those participating added so much joy to the day.  It was truly a faith-filled experience for all of us who were present.   I only wish that all the Sisters of the American Province could have been present. Words can not adequately express this marvelous experience!"

Sr. Mary Cecile, C.S.JB.  -  "The Beatification ceremony was beautiful, majestic and touching with a great sense of the gifts of our Founder to the universal Church encompassing all present.  For me, personally, the pilgrimage to Angri culminating in the procession through the entire town ...was a profoundly moving experience. The presence of the townspeople singing, praying, reciting the "sayings" of the Founder ...concretized the reality for me that Fr. Founder belongs to "the people" as much as he does to the Sisters of St John the Baptist. The simple, living spirit of Fr. Founder is very much alive in Angri and easily caught by all who visit there."

Sr. Anne Dolores C.S.JB. - " I truly felt part of the global Church community.  Our Founder is world renowned and his life has touched so many.  I feel especially blessed to have seen his love and gracious hospitality evident in all the Sisters we met and all of the convents we were able to visit."

Sr. Lucille Verga, C.S.JB. - "Awesome, everlasting memories from St. Peter's: the unveiling of the banner of those who were to be Beatified,  the resounding music with trumpets and bells, the hightened emotions. No words can adequately define this beautiful experience.  The Baptistine spirit was beyond comparison.  Sisters from every region were overjoyed to meet each other, to pray, to sing, to celebrate together. The spirit of the Founder was obvious  and among us - a never to be forgotten experience.

Sr. Rosita Nunez, C.S.JB. (from the Philippines)- I really thank God for the gift I received in attending the Beatification of Blessed Alfonso M  Fusco.  It was such a wonderful and fantastic experience!  I was deeply touched and moved by the richness of the internationality and multicultural spirit of our congregation.  I was impressed with the faith of the people who attended the Beatification.  I was touched, too, by the hospitality of the people of Angri and by the ways they celebrated and rejoiced on this occasion. These grace-filled moments that I experienced have deepened my faith in God and have strengthened my vocation to serve Him for His greater glory. It inspired me to imitate our Founder even more who in his simplicity and humility touched so many lives and did so many great things for God's people.

Sr. Angelita, C.S.JB.  - The Beatification was something unforgettable.  The Sisters and people who gathered in St. Peter's Square were so filled with spirit and joy!  Our procession in Angri was magnificent  - the joy of the Founder's people, their love for the Founder, their readiness to give us hospitality and service. Our Founder belongs to Angri  - there is no doubt. And the solidarity of the Baptistine Sisters who in many instances overcame difficulties to come and be together  for this special day.

Sr. Amelia Marie, C.S.JB. (from the Philippines)  - "The ceremony was very moving.  It was also a very good way of bringing the Baptistines from all over the world together.  I have witnessed a great proof of Divine Providence.  Father Founder really took care of his children  - Baptistine Sisters and lay people. I know that I have another good friend up there with God whom I can ask for help."

Sr. Alphonsa C.S.JB. (from India) - October 7th was the most joyful day in my life.  The ceremony was wonderful and to be present in St Peter's Square was even more lovely!"

Sr. Vitalina C.S.JB. (from Zambia) - The graces and blessings bestowed upon each one of us are really countless.  I was so impressed during these days celebrating our Founder's Beatification by the oneness of the Baptistines. Whether we met in Rome or in Angri  - it was like children coming home! I felt such joy at the unveiling of the picture of our Founder at St Peter's Square  - I cried for joy. I just don't have words to explain what this joy is all about. My admiration for our Father Founder grew even more. Somehow, my perception of how I look at things is changed. All I wish is that we all look and listen to our Founder's way of life  - and all will be all right"

Sr. Anne Michael, C.S.JB. - Whoever thought that this would happen to me!  This was my first trip to Rome and I know it will be a trip I will never forget. They say Heaven is going to be beautiful.  Well, when I heard the name "Alfonso Maria Fusco" coming from Our Holy Father and saw his banner there in St. Peter's Square, I now have a good idea of what heaven will be like. I was trying to take a video of this beautiful event.  It turned out good, but a little "topsy-turvy" and I think it was because I was standing on a cloud! Every time I think about it, I still can't believe I was honored to witness this wonderful occasion.  I felt the FOunder's presence all around me.  Even thoguh there were thousands of people there, I felt it was my day  with the man whose name I have heard and prayed for these past forty-eight years. A dream became a reality! I pray that he will bring me back again when he becomes a "saint".  I can hear him saying to me: "Come with me again to Angri.  I want to show you the beautiful faces of "me". 

     "The just man shall live by faith" (Hb 2,4):  with these words full of confidence and hope the prophet Habakkuk spoke to the people of Israel at a particularly troubled moment of its history. Reread in the light of the mystery of Christ by the Apostle Paul, the Church can use the same words to express a universal principle:  it is by faith that man is open to the salvation that comes to him from God. 

Dear Brothers in the Episcopate and in the Priesthood, 
Men and Women Religious,
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

      We are reliving in our hearts yesterday's solemn liturgical celebration which saw seven new Blesseds raised to the glory of the altars. I address warm greetings to all of you, dear pilgrims gathered in Rome for this happy event.

     Above all, I would like to share with you and to entrust to the Lord the anxiety and concern that has been stirred up within us by this sensitive moment in international relations. The family atmosphere of today's meeting gives us an opportunity to thank the Lord together for the new Blesseds and to reflect once again on their Gospel witness and the rich spiritual inheritance they have bequeathed to us...

     In this atmosphere of deep joy I am delighted to express my most cordial congratulations to the diocesan community of Nocera Inferiore-Sarno, which has seen two of its priest sons raised to the honours of the altar at the same time:  Alfonso Maria Fusco and Tommaso Maria Fusco. They were not related but were brothers in the priesthood. Providence has now also linked them in the glory of the Blesseds in Heaven. I greet the pastor, Bishop Gioachino Illiano, and all of you, who have come in large numbers from the Diocese. I address the spiritual daughters of the two new Blesseds with special affection:  the Sisters of St John the Baptist, and the Daughters of Charity of the Most Precious Blood. Dear sisters, your joy is also mine and that of the whole Church. I thank you for the prayerful and concrete fidelity which you have shown to the memory of your founders, whose example has now been solemnly recognized by the Church.

    In his city of Angri, Canon Alfonso Maria Fusco was revered for his humble, simple spirit, which won for him affection and confidence. With the characteristic inner calm of saints that stems from absolute faith in God and his Providence, he managed to make the "dream" of his life come true:  to found a women's congregation which would assist poor young people and provide them with an education. Today, the Sisters of St John the Baptist take his message to many parts of the world...

     Dear brothers and sisters, while we thank the Lord for the shining examples of holiness offered by the new Blesseds, let us renew to him our prayer for peace:  "Da pacem Domine in diebus nostris! - Grant us peace, O Lord, in our days!".

     May the Virgin Mary, whom the new Blesseds loved so tenderly, always guide and sustain us. I entrust all of you to her motherly protection, while I cordially bless you, together with your ecclesial and religious communities and your relatives and friends.

On a  mild, sunny afternoon  in November almost 2,000 people came together  at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City  for a Mass of Thanksgiving in celebration and commemoration of the Beatification of Blessed Alfonso Maria Fusco, Founder of the Sisters of St. John the Baptist. Joining the   Sisters for this joyful occasion  were members of the clergy, former members of the Community, Baptistine Lay Associates, family, colleagues and friends. 

     Following a welcome by Sr. John Agnes, C.S.JB. Provincial Superior of the American Province, the majestic Cathedral organ resounded as the Sisters processed down the main aisle behind the banner of Beatification which was carried by Sr. Madeleine Werner, C.S.JB.  In his greetings to the Sisters and the congregation His Eminence  Edward Cardinal Egan, Archbishop of New York, remarked on the vital presence and ministry of the Baptistine Sisters to the Church of New York, primarily in education and health care. The Cardinal also noted the spirit of joy that marks the Sisters wherever their presence.  

     The Most  Reverend William J McCormack, Auxiliary Bishop of New York was the main celebrant of the Mass and  was joined by 30 priest  concelebrants. In his homily the Rev Msgr Thomas Gileece, Chancellor of the Archdiocese, summed up his reflections about the impact of the life of Blessed Alfonso Fusco saying:" He (Fusco) was what we hope to become."

 Participants in the liturgy represented the many people that are part of the life of the Baptistine Sisters. The Lectors at the Mass were Sr. Ann Marie Damiani,  C.S.JB. and Sr. Mary Agnes Tracy, C.S.JB. The Prayers of the Faithful were offered by Sr. Regina McTiernan, C.S.JB.  

  The Presenters of Gifts at the Offertory included:  Sr. Placid Zinicola, C.S.JB., Sr Ermelinda Cordasco, C.S.JB., Helen Swirski, a Baptistine Lay Associate,  Jessica Salazar,  a student from St. Lucy's - the Baptistine Foundation house in the United States, Sr. Nila Cabase, C.S.JB, a Filipino Sister representing the many Sisters from other regions now in the American Province and Bernadette Mc Coy, a former Sister who has written the first biography in English of Blessed Alfonso  Fusco. (NB - At the last minute Bernadette was unable to attend the ceremony). 

     The Altar Servers were students from: St. Lucy School, Newark, NJ; St. John Villa Academy, Staten Island, NY; St. Dominic School, Bronx, NY; St. Roch School, Staten Island, NY; St. Vincent De Paul Parish, Stirling, NJ; St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Parsippany, NY.

      The Mass was followed by a reception at the Sheraton New York Hotel.

      Alfonso Maria Fusco, the oldest of five children, was born on March 23, 1839, in Angri, in the province of Salerno, in the Diocese of Nocera-Sarno. His parents, Aniello Fusco and Josephine Schiavone, were both of peasant stock but were raised from their infancy with strong Christian principles and with a holy fear of God.

     They were married in the Collegiata of St. John the Baptist on January 31, 1834, and for four long years the cradle they had lovingly prepared remained painfully empty. In Pagani, only a short distance from Angri, the relics of St. Alfonso Maria de' Liguori were preserved. It was to his tomb that Aniello and Josephine went in 1838 to pray. While they were there, the Redemptorist Francesco Saverio Pecorelli told them: "You will have a son; you will name him Alfonso; he will become a priest and will live the life of Blessed Alfonso".

 The little boy quickly revealed a mild, gentle, lovable character, responsive to prayer and to the poor. His teachers in his father's house were learned and holy priests who instructed him and prepared him for his first meeting with Jesus. When he was seven, he received his First Holy Communion and Confirmation.

He told his parents when he was eleven that he wanted to become a priest, and on November 5, 1850, "freely and with the sole desire to serve God and the Church", as he himself declared many years later, he entered the episcopal Seminary of Nocera dei Pagani. On May 29, 1863, he was ordained by the Archbishop of Salerno, Monsignor Anthony Salomone, amid the joy of his family and the enthusiasm of the people.

 

  
Quickly he distinguished himself among the clergy of the Collegiata of St. John the Baptist in Angri for his zeal, his regular attendance at liturgical services and for his diligence in the administration of the sacraments, especially the Sacrament of Reconciliation where he revealed his paternal understanding of his penitents. He devoted himself to the evangelization of the people through his simple and incisive style of preaching.

     The daily life of Father Alfonso was that of a zealous priest, but he carried in his heart an old dream. In his last years at the seminary, one night he had dreamt that Jesus the Nazarene was calling him to found an institute of Sisters and an orphanage for boys and girls as soon as he was ordained.

      It was a meeting with Maddalena Caputo of Angri, a strong-willed woman aspiring to enter religious life, which impelled Father Alfonso to move more quickly in the foundation of the Institute. On September 25, 1878, Miss Caputo and three other young women met at night in the dilapidated Scarcella house in the Ardinghi district of Angri. The young women wanted to dedicate themselves to their own sanctification through a life of poverty, of union with God, and of charity in the care and instruction of poor orphans.

     The Congregation of the Baptistine Sisters of the Nazarene was thus begun; the seed had fallen into the good earth of the hearts of these four zealous and generous women. Privations, struggles, opposition, and trials were their lot, and the Lord made that seed grow abundantly. The Scarcella House was quickly named the Little House of Providence.

     Other postulants and the first orphans began to arrive, and with them the first problems. The Lord, who allows those whom He loves much to suffer much, did not spare the Founder and his daughters. Father Alfonso accepted these trials, at times very difficult ones, demonstrating an absolute conformity to the will of God, an heroic obedience to his superiors, and an unbounded trust in Divine Providence.

     The unjustified attempt by the Diocesan Bishop Saverio Vitagliano to remove Father Alfonso as director of the Institute based on false accusations; the refusal by his own daughters to open the door for him of the house on Via Germanico in Rome because of their desire for a division; the words of Cardinal Respighi, the Vicar of Rome: "You have founded this community of good sisters who are doing their best. Now withdraw!" were for him moments of great suffering. He was seen praying in anguish, like Jesus in the Garden, in the small chapel in the Mother House in Angri and in the church of St. Joachim in Rome.

      Father Alfonso did not leave many writings. He loved to speak with the witness of his life. The short statements, rich in evangelical wisdom, which we find in his writings, and the testimony of those who knew him are flashes which illuminate his simple life, his great love for the Eucharist and for the Passion of Jesus and his filial devotion to the Sorrowful Mother. He would often repeat to his Sisters: "Let us become saints, following Jesus closely... Daughters, if you live in poverty, in chastity and in obedience, you will shine like the stars up in the heavens".

      He directed the Institute wisely and prudently. Like a loving father, he watched over the Sisters and the orphans. He showed an almost maternal tenderness for all, especially for the most needy of the orphans. For them there was always space in the Little House of Providence, even when there was a scarcity of food or absolutely nothing. Then Father Alfonso would reassure his worried daughters saying: "Don't worry, my daughters. I am going to Jesus now and He will worry about us!" And Jesus answered quickly and with great generosity. To him who believes, everything is possible! 

      At a time when an education was the privilege of the few, denied to the poor and to women, Father Alfonso did not mind sacrificing to give the children a peaceful life, an education and a trade for the older ones so that once they were grown up, they could live as honest citizens and as committed Christians. He wanted the Sisters to begin their studies as soon as possible so that they could teach the poor and, through their instruction and evangelization, prepare the way for Jesus especially in the hearts of the children and of youth.

      His tenacious will totally anchored in Divine Providence, the wise and prudent collaboration of Maddalena Caputo, known as Sr.Crocifissa, who was the first superior of the growing Institute, the ongoing spur of the love of God and neighbor - all  contributed to the extraordinary development of the work in a very short time. The growing requests for assistance for an ever greater number of orphans and children urged Fr. Alfonso to open new houses, first in Campania, and then in other regions of Italy.

     During the night of February 5, 1910, he felt unwell. He requested and then received the sacraments on the morning of February 6; after having blessed with trembling hands his own daughters weeping around his bed, he exclaimed: "Lord, I thank you, I have been a useless servant". Then, turning to the Sisters: "From heaven I will not forget you. I will pray for you always". And he then slept peacefully in the Lord.

     News of his death spread quickly and for that entire Sunday, there was a procession of people crying and saying: "The father of the poor is dead; the saint is dead!"

      His witness has been an inspiration of life and a means of grace, especially for his Sisters spread today throughout four continents. On February 12, 1976, Pope Paul VI recognized his heroic virtues; on October 7, 2001, Pope John Paul II, proclaiming him blessed, offers him as an example to priests, and a model for everyone of an educator and protector especially to the poor and the needy.

 
      Before  the Church will publicly acclaim that an individual has led a life of heroic virtue and is a model for other members of the  Church to emulate, there must be clear documentation of the individual's holiness of life as well as visible and significant evidence his or her powers of intercession, that is the power to bring about a miracle.  This miracle must be incontrovertible, documented and authenticated by the officials of the Church. 

     On July 1, 2000  Mother John Marie White, Superior General of the Congregation, along with four other  Baptistine Sisters gathered in the Vatican's Clementine Hall  to hear reports on the miracles and  heroic virtues of Ven. Alfonso Maria Fusco, Founder of the Sisters of St. John the Baptist, presented  to the Holy Father by representatives of the Congregation of the Saints. This ceremony marked the official approval of the beatification of Venerable Alfonso Maria Fusco and is the last step before recognition of sainthood is accorded by the Church. 

      For Fr. Alfonso Fusco the dramatic healing of Gershom Chizuma in Zambia, Africa was the compelling event that needed  for his beatification.      

      Gershom Chisuma, was born on May 19, 1994 at Mumbwa, Zambia. He was a healthy and lively child until January 18, 1998 when he fell ill with a high fever and suffered convulsions.  His parents took him to the the outpatient clinic located within the confines of the "Canfisa" Camp.  There he was diagnosed with clinical malaria and given a shot of chloroquine.  After a brief improvement, Gershom's health dramatically  worsened and he was transferred to the Central Hospital of Kitwe.

 Gershom fell into a deep or third degree coma. The doctors diagnosed that he suffered from "cerebral malaria, one of the most lethal complications of malaria"  that causes a comatose-convulsive state.  On January 2, 1998 the results of blood tests confirmed the diagnosis and revealed that 20% of Gershom's red blood cells had been invaded by parasites.

     Gershom was treated with the classical medicines for this form of malaria, but this treatment produced "absolutely no result whatsoever" and further complications of sepsis and pneumonia set in.  Martina, his mother, noted that for two days as she sat by his bedside, her 4 year old son become more lifeless, bleeding from his mouth and sinking deeper into a coma. The duty nurse could induce no reaction to pain stimuli.  On the morning of February 2, 1998 the case physician's medical notes stated: "the prognosis for Gershom Chizuma  is very grave;  he is expected to die.

     In God’s Providence, on that same day, February 2, 1998, Sr. Livia Caserio, directress of the "San Martino Shelter for Children"  came to Gershom’s hospital to visit another child  in the same ward as Gershom.  There she encountered Gershom’s mother who was utterly distraught. In speaking words of encouragement to Martina, Sr Livia recalled that the day was February 2, the beginning of the triduum prayer in preparation for the 88th anniversary of the death of Fr. Alfonso Maria Fusco, Founder of the Sisters of St. John the Baptist.

      Sr Livia presented a holy card of Fr. Fusco to the mother and invited her to pray for his intercession in the healing of her son. A member of the Church of Seventh Day Adventists, Martina was hesitant. But desperate to do anything that might help her son, she recited the prayer with Sr Livia  who then slipped the holy card under Gershom’s pillow. During the night Martina recited the prayer by herself and again with her mother. 

     The next morning, February 3, 1998, to his mother’s utter amazement, Gershom, the young boy who had been at death’s door, came out of his coma, began to move his stilled limbs and called to his mother. His fever had left him and he no longer needed oxygen. He soon drank some milk and ate some soft bread. 

     As attested by his doctors and nurses his healing was immediate and complete: his fever left him; all his vital signs returned to normal, the swelling of his brain went down and there was no further sign of parasites in his blood. The attending physicians agreed in affirming that there was no medical-scientific explanation for the healing and for the lack of debilitating after effects. 

     On August 19, 1998 Gershom was brought back to the hospital for a check-up.  He was examined by the former case physician and by a specialist who found him in perfect health. Today, Gershom continues to enjoy perfect physical and mental health.  

     On October 20, 1998 the physician-members of the Medical Commission of the Congregation of the Causes of Saints, after an intensive review of the facts, unanimously declared that the healing of Gershom is unexplainable from a scientific viewpoint. On March 30, 1999 the Special Congress of the Congregation of the Causes of Saints unanimously accepted that this presumed miracle was attributed to the intercession of Venerable Alfonso Maria Fusco. 

        
          Welcome. As you know, today’s workshop will focus on Bl. Alfonso Maria Fusco, Founder of the Baptistine Sisters.  Our goal is to present a portrait of him both as a man of and for the people - and as a man of and for God.

      In another session Sr Loretta Marie will explore with you the spirituality of Bl. Alfonso Maria Fusco. That word may be puzzling to some of you. For many people the term conjures up images of something mystical, churchy, pious or otherworldly. Something on the fringes of ordinary life. Something optional that only "holy" people have. Nothing could be further from the truth. Everyone has a spirituality. It is the sum of all that makes us unique and that characterizes how we individually approach God. So, this morning we will focus on coming to understand Bl. Alfonso Fusco as a man of his times.

        Names are such unique things. For the most part they are given to us - and we grow into them. When a name is spoken an image is evoked. Today, as a help to focusing our thoughts, I’m going to use the letters in the name of ALFONSO to reflect on various aspects of the Founder. Certainly more than one characteristic would match each letter, but I’ll focus on the one that I feel best helps our understanding. 

        If you saw a newcomer in your club or at work and asked: "Who is Mary Smith?" chances are that the responses would be something like this:

" Oh, she’s from the Pelham section of the Bronx."
" She goes to St Benedict’s Parish"
" Her parents are Marie and Tom, you know, the family that adopted the Chinese children."

          What’s happening here? People come to know us by knowing about us. And so it is for Alfonso Maria Fusco. In order to know him, we must know about his family and colleagues, his neighborhood, the world of his day. What influenced him? What did he value? Only after a living portrait of him begins to emerge can we begin to look at how he approached God - can we begin to understand what his spirituality was.  

A  -  ANGRI 

        Let’s begin by considering the impact on Alfonso of being a "son of Angri", for he was a child of his era and his country, molded by the current events of mid- 19th century Europe. He was born in Italy in 1839 in the southern town of Angri. Angri was and is a beautiful city located on flatlands not far from the Mediterranean Sea and the bubbling Mt Vesuvius. During Alfonso’s time there were about 15,000 inhabitants. The town was divided into 2 sections: Angri proper, called Terra, was the home of the Fusco family. It was the more thickly populated section since city life was concentrated there. This area had wide streets paved by blocks of stones formed from the lava of nearby Vesuvius. It bustled with activity: religious feasts and traditional festivals, civic parades and church processions. The other section of town was Ardinghi, the site of the first Baptistine foundation. It was a much poorer section. During the day it was almost deserted since the majority of its inhabitants were laborers who spent long hours in the fields. The agricultural area of Angri had lava-rich soil and produced excellent fruits and vegetables. So, Alfonso grew up surrounded by nature: the beauty of its seas, the bounty of its fields, the awesome power of its nearby volcano. From all these he learned patience, caution and hope. Like Jesus, he used the familiar images of nature in his preaching and his teaching.

        But Italy then was not the Italy that we know today. It was not a unified nation but rather a composite of city-states and kingdoms. Among them rivalries were bitter and wars frequent. For Alfonso another familiar sight in Angri was the massive round fortress or tower adjacent to the old castle of the Doria family that dated back to medieval times. This was an impressive and imposing sight for all the children and Alfonso was no exception. It spoke of war and political battles but it also symbolized steadfastness, strength and endurance under stress - qualities that Alfonso would need throughout his life.

        The political climate of southern Italy was like Mt Vesuvius itself - idyllic on the surface, but capable of erupting at any time. In 1860, as Garibaldi ascended to power, restless political conditions in Italy reached their peak. Demonstrations and riots were frequent as was imprisonment for political reasons. Fear pervaded Angri as both guilty and innocent went to jail, including one of Alfonso’s mentors Father Tortora. This left an impact on Alfonso, then 21, who throughout his life displayed an aversion to involvement in political affairs, whether in the Church or in the civic arena, but who also developed a keen sense of justice.   So, Alfonso was a true son of Angri. The geography of southern Italy, the politics of the times, the landmarks of Angri left an indelible impression on him.

Reflect:   What event or image in my own heritage has been important in shaping me?

          The "moso" is a unique bamboo plant that grows in China. Once the seed is planted, it takes 5 years before there is any sign of growth. But once the plant pushes out from the ground, it begins to grow at the phenomenal rate of 2 ½ ft per day for about 6 weeks. How is this rapid growth possible? Because for 5 years the moso plant has been getting ready, laying a root system that extends for miles.

          And so it was with Alfonso. His early years with his family were a time of root-laying, of preparation. Alfonso’s family was involved in the life of Angri and the Church, and lovingly passed on the traditions of both. Alfonso grew up as the oldest of 4 siblings: 2 sisters and a brother, although his youngest sister was born after he had already left for the minor seminary. The 3 oldest children spent happy hours together, entertaining each other with games and stories. As the oldest, however, Alfonso willingly accepted tasks of greater responsibility.

          Alfonso’s family was not poor. His father Aniello was a landowner and a transporter of farm produce who worked hard to provide for his family. In today’s terms the Fuscos would be considered "middle- class". As a son in such a family Alfonso was well-cared for and educated. During this era the laity exercised great influence in the Church through membership in Confraternities. These Church groups raised funds to provide religious instruction to the young;  food and medicine for the poor;  prayers for the deceased. The Fuscos were active members of the Confraternity of S. Margherita. Alfonso saw how seriously his parents carried out their membership obligations and was proud to see his father serve as president for 2 terms.

          His mother Giuseppina was a constant loving presence in Alfonso’s life. When he was barely able to walk she took him to church; as soon as he could talk, she taught him his prayers, which the family recited in common every evening in front of the prominently displayed picture of Our Lady of Sorrows. Her gentleness, prayerfulness, and generosity to the poor were to be mirrored in his soul and his actions. Both she and her husband encouraged Alfonso’s priestly vocation which they believed was the fulfillment of the gift that Alfonso was to them from God. 

          In Alfonso’s time the Church was a vital part of the daily life of every family. Before heading to the fields the townsfolk gathered in church for Mass and returned in the evening for the Rosary and Benediction. Angri had around 50 priests staffing a number of churches. Some of these priests became Alfonso’s respected mentors and lasting friends. Of the churches, most notable among them was the Collegiata of St. John the Baptist, patron of Angri. This was the Church Alfonso’s family attended; where he received the sacraments; where he first exercised his priestly ministry.

          Because it was the tradition of the Church at that time for priests to live with their families, even after Alfonso was ordained he remained close to his family and his friends. This was a significant factor in his formation. He experienced the importance of family as the primary nurturing unit, and of God and the Church as ever-present realities in daily life. He did not despise wealth, but looked to use it to the advantage of those less fortunate. Alfonso accepted who he was, where he came from, and looked to see what God was asking him to do in light of his background.

          When we look at Alfonso’s pictures we see a man of humble demeanor. This can deceive us into thinking that Bl Alfonso was, to use an old-fashioned phrase, " a country bumpkin".  Far from it. For his era, Alfonso was quite a learned man. In the mid 1800’s there was no system of schools for youngsters to attend. The children of the rich and the middle-class were tutored. So, at age 7 Alfonso’s formal education was entrusted to the care of local priests. At age 11 his attraction to the priesthood led him to the minor seminary. He was not a brilliant student, but he was a disciplined and determinedone. Alfonso took his studies seriously realizing that learning would be the key to his dream of becoming a priest. For Alfonso, studying was essential in coming to know his God. He valued the educational opportunities given to him. He devoted many hours to studying the Scriptures, the writings of theologians, the documents of the Church. At the same time he felt an obligation to know what was going on in the world and had a lifelong habit of reading the newspapers. His perusal of the papers was often followed by spirited discussions with his friends. In later years, Alfonso himself would author a number of widely read religious articles.

          Over the years Alfonso acquired a personal library that was varied and very extensive. Books were not seen as extravagances but as necessary tools. His books and notebooks attest to the fact that he was proficient in keeping accounts, skillful in writing and speaking, and gifted in music and liturgy. As a young priest he demonstrated an eagerness for delivering sermons. This was further developed when he joined the Congregation of Nocerini Missionary Priests whose members preached missions in nearby parishes. His talent for music and his gifted singing voice resulted in his appointment as a cantor in the Collegiata. His detailed knowledge and love of the liturgy led to his appointment as head sacristan of the Collegiata. Both of these appointments were unusual for such a young priest.

          Even as he valued education for himself, Alfonso’s appreciation for learning extended to his vision for the care of the children of Angri. And for the Sisters who would provide for them. Alfonso’s impulse for the children was twofold: (1) to prepare them with knowledge and practical skills for the success of their earthly life; (2) to provide them with a growing knowledge of God and prepare them for their eternal home. The chronicle of the early years of the Institute reveals that the Sisters, in conjunction with an orphanage, almost always established a school and a sewing workshop. And one of the first endeavors of Alfonso was to establish a printing shop so that young boys could learn a trade. For Alfonso education was not a luxury but a necessity - a right due to every person.

          As for the Sisters, soon after they began to receive children into their care Alfonso made arrangements for the Sisters to receive formal training so that they would be adequately prepared to educate God’s little ones for the here and now as well as for the hereafter.  From his earliest years Alfonso treasured the mind as a gift of God and he never apologized for his love of learning. He accepted his talents as treasures to be brought forth, polished, and used for God’s glory.

          Like most of us Bl. Alfonso’s life was a mosaic of opportunities and obstacles. This is illustrated by a story from his childhood. One cold, rainy January day Alfonso’s mother saw him leave his room with a bundle of linens in his arms. Thinking that he wanted to help her with her chores, she reminded him that it was not laundry day. Alfonso responded: "Mama, I want to bring these sheets to Vincenzino. He is very sick and very cold for his bed has no coverings. As soon as his mother returns from the fields, I will get them back." Giuseppina was so moved by her son’s compassion that she procured for Vincent’s mother the material required to make bed coverings.

          As a young priest, Alfonso saw the children of the poor idling in the streets and fields, often engaged in fights or pranks. Because wars, disease and political revenge had ravaged the region for many years, many had only one parent surviving - or none. In the society of their day they would never have an opportunity to be educated. They would remain unschooled, illiterate. Alfonso knew that unless these children were taught to read and write and learn a trade they would be caught in the grip of an impoverished life. His love for them was both compassionate and active.

          And so, as a newly ordained priest Alfonso began a little school for them in his own house. In the afternoon the children would come to his door, be welcomed with "sweet treats", and taught the basics of their religion. Through games, outings, and talks Alfonso instilled in their hearts love - love of God and love of neighbor. Unfortunately for Alfonso the neighbors did not love the noise of the children’s activities and he had to disband the group.

          This obstacle moved Alfonso to explore other opportunities. He knew that while it was imperative to prepare these youngsters to be good citizens of heaven, it was equally imperative that they be prepared to be good and productive citizens here on earth. Alfonso recognized that a quality education was the best gift one could give a youngster - and he needed help in accomplishing this.

          In Alfonso’s day there were no Sisters in Angri. As a result of the anticlerical atmosphere rampant throughout Italy in the 1800’s, religious communities had been forced to disband. Alfonso saw the absence of Sisters as an opportunity to bring them back to Angri. From a dream he had while in the seminary, he felt called to found a religious group of Sisters to help him with his work with the children. At the same time, he learned that a pious, wealthy widow of the parish, Mrs Graziani, was concerned about the plight of young girls and wished to start an institution to help them. Instead of seeing this as an obstacle to his own dream, Alfonso saw this as an opportunity for collaboration.

          When we think of the founding of the Baptistine Sisters we sometimes lose sight of the fact that we were not the Founder’s first choice! What was essential for Alfonso was that the children be cared for - whether by his group or someone else’s. Working with Mrs. Graziani, Alfonso tried in vain with 3 different groups of Sisters - the Daughters of the Precious Blood; the Stigmatine Sisters; the Compassionist Sisters - to arrange for the care and education of the poor children of Angri. One day while at Mrs Graziani’s house lamenting his failure to achieve his goal, he met a pious young woman from the parish, Maddelena Caputo. In her Alfonso found a "soul-sister" who shared in his dream. The Compassionist Sisters had indeed come to Angri and opened an orphanage. Maddalena had applied for membership in the Compassionist community - and was inexplicably refused. At the same time, Alfonso realized that the work of these Sisters was not growing. A year after the first 4 orphans had been brought to them, they were still the only children being cared for. Alfonso and Mrs Graziani withdrew their support. Again, an obstacle evolved into an opportunity. Now was God’s time for a new foundation.

          This interplay of obstacle and opportunity was to mark the Founder’s life to the very end. There are many notable examples but one in particular impacts directly on the American Province. As the young Community grew there arose a division between some of the Sisters and the Founder. One of these, Sr Bernardine D’Auria, reconciled with the Founder, but found it difficult to be accepted by some of the Sisters who had opposed her. Even though he had cautioned the Sisters to be forgiving and welcoming, the Founder knew of Sr Bernardine’s internal sufferings. He worried, wondered and prayed about what to do. At that time, Sr Bernardine received a letter from her brother who had emigrated with his family to America. Her brother lamented the lack of religious care for the many Italian immigrants in his Brooklyn neighborhood, especially the children. Sr Bernardine shared the letter with the Founder, along with a request to visit her brother. Concerned about her continued alienation by the Sisters, the Founder saw this as an opportunity for Sister’s healing. In God’s Providence, it became that and more - the first steps toward the foundation of the Baptistines in America.

          Alfonso Fusco was a true and devoted Son of the Church, a "servant of God". He was openhearted and compassionately generous. His amiable disposition made him approachable. Children, especially, gravitated toward him feeling welcomed in his presence. To these little ones he was truly the loving father that many did not have. Adults, too, did not hesitate to bring themselves to him presenting their needs, confiding their failings, sharing their hopes. As God’s servant, Alfonso was nonjudgmental. He did not condone what was wrong, nor did he judge people because of the circumstances that left them in need whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually. He accepted people as they were - and gave unstintingly of his time and energies to help them help themselves.

          Alfonso listened with his heart - understanding that for this particular person he represented Jesus: he was Jesus’ eyes, seeing into hurt and troubled hearts; Jesus’ ears hearing unspoken words and feelings; Jesus’ hands blessing and comforting and offering unconditional help. Alfonso made himself graciously available to all and pointed them always toward the loving heart of God.

          Throughout his life, no matter how trying, how frustrating, how disappointing circumstances might be, Alfonso was true to his faith, to his ecclesial superiors and to the mission that he knew God had given him. In turn, God was even more faithful to him. Alfonso did not shrink from the task that God laid our before him. Indeed, he remained faithful to it because he was convinced in the core of his being that the care of young girls and boys through the founding of a religious group of Sisters was God’s Will for him. 

          And Alfonso was never more a "servant of God" then when he was with his new Community. Though human misunderstandings, jealousies or shortsightedness might delay the accomplishment of his dream, Alfonso would not let any human power deter him from the ultimate goal. The first communities of Sisters that he approached hoping for assistance, said "yes" then "no". The local Bishop to whom he initially presented his request for starting a community, acceded, then reneged. A benefactor first offered to provide funds to buy a house for the Sisters, then withdrew the offer. When the Little House of Providence, the first home of the Sisters and the orphans, finally became a reality there were many needs and challenges. Primary among them: too many orphans, not enough food. Alfonso believed that God would provide. And so God did, time and again, through a steady stream of benefactors. From September 1878 when the first 4 young women gathered together until February 1910 when God called him home, Alfonso was at the disposal of the Sisters. He cared for them, provided for them, counseled them, encouraged them, forgave them and guided them in the ways of God and of man - but mostly, he loved them as a father loved his dear daughters.

          Alfonso wholeheartedly embraced the idea that others were called to be collaborators with him. He had friends among the wealthy and wise and he did not hesitate to ask others to become part of his project, to use their resources in fulfilling his mission. Alfonso knew well that the expectation that what one does, one does on one’s own is a fallacy. Each of us emerges from a community of family, friends, colleagues. But the most important community that we come from is that of the Trinity: the Father whose love created us; the Son whose love forgave and redeemed us; the Spirit whose love continually sanctifies and empowers us. Alfonso used the resources of all these. Because of his absolute trust in Divine Providence Alfonso had the right perspective on his role and responsibility: "The Institute is not my work, but God’s. He will sustain it. I am only God’s servant "

Reflect:   In what particular way is God calling me to be a "servant of God"  in my family? or neighborhood? or place of work?

N  -  SAYING  "NO"

          Most often when we think of being "holy", we associate the word "yes". But equally important is what we say "no" to. So, perhaps Bl. Alfonso Fusco’s life is best summarized by what his life and actions said "NO" to.  He declared "no":

- to the belief that things as they were, were the best that they could be;

- to the "naysayers" who hesitated to risk, to challenge, to offer alternatives;

- to the self-serving who did not see that: "God’s work on earth must truly be  our own." 

          Because he could say "no" to social biases and injustices, to political or ecclesial inequities, to the growing secularism of society; to personal rebuffs; to the neglect, indeed the exploitation of children, his legacy to us contains a strong dynamic to alleviate immediate conditions and to work to change the systems that are the root cause of so much suffering.