Vinicio Riva suffered from Neurofibromatosis 1, a rare genetic disease that causes both cancerous and noncancerous tumors to develop all over the body. The disease can also cause tumors in the brain, nerves, and spinal cord; and it can lead to blindness, deafness, heart problems, and severe pain. In Vinicio Riva’s case, the disease manifested itself most notably in hundreds of tumors on his face, hands, and torso that resulted in bleeding and disfigurement. Sometimes Vinicio would wake up in the morning with his pajamas soaked in the blood that seeped from his sores and tumors.

In addition to the physical challenges associated with his condition, Vinicio also faced rejection and isolation from his neighbors. His appearance prompted people to move instinctively away from him. Sometimes their reactions were compassionate, sometimes not. Vinicio once boarded a public bus in his hometown of Vicenza, which is located halfway between Verona and Padua in Northern Italy. When Vinicio approached a vacant seat, he was scolded harshly: “Go away!” Even though Neurofibromatosis is a non-infectious disease, too many people refused to interact with Vinicio and his family.

Vinicio Riva’s life changed forever in November 2013. Vinicio, along with his aunt and dozens of people from his home parish traveled to Vatican City, and they attended the weekly public audience with Pope Francis. In an interview afterwards with CNN, Vinicio said that he and his group never expected to come close to the Holy Father, but the Swiss Guard guided them toward the front row.

As Pope Francis made his way through the crowd, he saw Vinicio and walked directly toward him. Vinicio hoped that the pope might shake his hand, but instead the pope looked into his eyes and embraced him. Vinicio later told CNN: “We did not speak, but he looked at me as if he were digging deep inside, a beautiful look that I would never have expected…He did not have any fear of my illness. He embraced me. I quivered and felt a great warmth.”

After this memorable encounter with the Holy Father, Vinicio returned home and resumed his custodial work at a local nursing home. Despite Vinicio’s appearance, the sick and elderly patients enjoyed his company. They joked and chatted with him about their favorite local sport — soccer. Reflecting on his experience in Rome, Vinicio said: “I feel stronger and happier. I feel that I can move forward because the Lord is protecting me.” His family agreed that Vinicio’s life changed for the better because he was blessed and embraced by the pope.

Last Wednesday, Vinicio Riva passed away from complications related to his long battle with Neurofibromatosis. He was 58 years old. Just three days later, Pope Francis issued his annual message for the upcoming World Day of the Sick on February 11th. In this message, the Holy Father wrote: “Our lives, reflected in the image of the Holy Trinity, are meant to attain fulfillment through a network of relationships, friendships, and love, both given and received. We are created to be together, not alone.” With these words, the pope spoke from the heart about the longings of all people who live each day with illness or isolation. In short, we all need each other.

This week, we pray together for the soul of Vinicio Riva and for his grieving family. We pray all people who are sick and suffering, lonely, and left behind. And we pray for the grace, courage, and perseverance to do what Pope Francis teaches us to do by both his simple words and good example: Live the Gospel. Share God’s love. Love each other. And rebuild the Church — one soul at a time.

Brother Patrick Garvey
Associate Minister
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: brpatrick@ccgronline.com

CCGR Weekly Newsletter (1-21-24)
Bringing Home the Word (1-21-24)
The Kids Bulletin (1-21-24)

The Healing Rosary with Brother Patrick
Saturday, February 3rd at 5:00pm
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church
All are invited! All are welcome!

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Call to Prayer
Prayers for Healing & Recovery

A Prayer to Jesus for Healing