On August 19, 2023, a ceremony took place in the historic council room of Assoro and in the presence of Assoro’s Mayor Licciardo and other local authorities. It was a naming ceremony for the local Civil Protection office, dedicated to the late Pastor Vincenzo Mazza, former president of the Italian Union for Seventh-day Adventists from 1995 to 2000.
Vincenzo Mazza was remembered by his son, Andreas, who wanted to emphasize the tireless commitment that his father had towards others.
“In helping others, especially the weak, Pastor Mazza saw the very essence of Christianity, according to the example set by Jesus Christ,” Andreas declared. Notably, Andreas is currently working in the administrative offices of the Inter-European Division (EUD) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. His roles cover activities in the Communications, Public Relations, and Public Affairs departments.
In 1997, through the Seventh-day Adventist Church and with the help of the 8x1000 funds, Vincenzo Mazza donated an ambulance to the same local Civil Protection office that would later honor him.
Apart from Marco Ragusa, the president of tbe Assoro Civil Protection office, both the mayor, Antonio Licciardo, and the local Adventist pastor, Vincenzo Castro, also remembered Vincenzo Mazza’s dedication to his mission and his commitment to volunteering.
Pastor Castro, Vincenzo Mazza’s friend-turned-brother, wanted to emphasize the great love that Vincenzo harboured for his land and his country. Pastor Mazza visited Assoro for the last time in November 2022.
Pastor Castro also wanted to renew the Adventist Church’s commitment to the people of Assoro, particularly those who are weak and suffering, especially through the local Civil Protection office. At the end of his speech, Pastor Castro donated funds raised within the Adventist community to the board of the Civil Protection.
The program was enriched by two songs offered by Irida Dragoti, Vincenzo’s daughter-in-law. Irida Dragoti, wife to Vincenzo’s son, Andreas, is an opera singer at the Opera Theatre in Rome. The two performed pieces were precious to Pastor Vincenzo Mazza, and the scores were what he himself had given to her a few years earlier: “The Lord’s Prayer” and “Holy City”.
The entire community of Assoro expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the Adventist Church during the closing remarks.
“Pastor Mazza left a legacy of love and dedication to the service of others, one which will continue to inspire future generations,” emphasized a comment in the daily newspaper La Sicilia.
To see the event program, click here.
To learn more about pastor Vincenzo Mazza, please go here.
