Thursday, January 23, 2014

Shoe Collector, Fr. Umberto Galassi, Marche

Since 1978 Friar Umberto Galassi, Province of Marche has been collecting shoes and sandals for the Missions in Africa. He has been doing this with passion and love for the Missions. He lives in Fermo, the Provincial Curia and goes about in the city and villages to collect the shoes. As you know there are many shoe makers aroun in Marche and it is well know for the shoes of International Marks. There are big names which we come across in the Market and good quality. A shoe that costs a big bomb are available here in this part of the world. 

Friar Umberto began this ministry for the love of the Missions that the Province has in Africa. He collects and twice a year he has an auction organised in the province in order to raise funds for the missions. He recollected that olden days a lot of people would donate shoes from the company but the number has gone down. Earlier without making an appointment he would just walk into a shoe factory and collect shoes from the Boss. Every one knows here that the Capuchin Friar goes round to collect the shoes for the missions. Today the donors are few and he needs to make an appointment in order to meet the Boss and get some good quality of shoes. He has built a wonderful relationship and rapport with all the shoemaker families and if he is not seen around for months, they do call him over the cell phone and ask him to collect the shoes.
The shoes are not second hand or damaged ones but good and of high quality.
On the auction day a lot of people come to purchase these shoes and sandals as they would cost them less than the original price in the shops. The Catholics around do come because they want to participate in the Missions of the Capuchins.

One can do anything for the Lord. There is no shame or shyness in doing of which you are convinced. He knows that he is doing it for the Lord. The people have been very nice towards him. Never anyone insulted him or shouted at him while begging for the shoes. He says that the Lords was guiding him to do so. He is contended and happy to carry on this mission till hs last breath. a good example for all the young capuchins in the world. when there is passion for something we are led into it and go forward without any fear or inhibitions. May the good Lord bless the ministry of Friar Umberto and may the donors be more generous so that the good work of the missions be continued.

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