 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
Home / Awards / Servitor Pacis Award / 1998 THE SERVITOR PACIS AWARD RECIPIENTS 1998 - Mariangelo da Cerqueto, OFM-Cap Born Mario Budelli, in Cerqueto, Perugia, on 17 February 1915, Reverend Mariangelo da Cerqueto, OFM-Cap. is best known as the founder the Almanac “Frate Indovino,” which has been called “the Calendar of the Italians.” This popular publication has enjoyed worldwide distribution, with countless copies having been printed. At the age of fifteen he entered the Capuchin Franciscan Order at which time, according to the Order’s tradition, his was given the new name “Mariangelo da Cerqueto,” out of devotion to Mary the Mother of Jesus. He professed his solemn vows in 1935 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1939. In his first years as a priest he ministered as a preacher in the Assisi countryside and in 1940 was nominated as director of the publication “Voce Serafica,” a periodical of the Umbrian Capuchins. It was around that time when Father Mariangelo began to conceive of the “Almanacco.” However, the first edition did not see the light of day out of fear of presenting the publishing costs to his Superiors. Finally, in Christmas 1945, he published approximately 2,000 copies of the first calendar, as a tribute to the readers of the magazine he directed. The enormous and unexpected success compelled him to follow the same formula, adding more and more copies. The following year 32,000 copies were printed, this time with color added on the feast days. The editions of 1948, ‘49, and ‘50 crossed beyond the Umbrian boundaries into other locales. Naturally this development quickly sparked a number of imitators. But by that time people were devoted to the original formula and so, in 1951, he began preparing the 1952 edition which was released in four colors and with creative designs. The 1957 edition added the presentation of true stories, with illustrations, on the back of the Almanac. The first subject was “Marcellino pane e vino,” the famous account of the orphan raised in a convent. In 1958 the Almanac contained a special section entitled “Per la massaia” (for the housewife), which later became “Per le donne” (for women). Since then it has added many special sections. The primary aim of the calendar is to touch the hearts of people. With humor and levity it calls the reader to reflect on the basic principles of the Gospel and Franciscan message. It also aims to present the common understanding — both religious and popular — that is so characteristic of Italian cultural tradition. Moreover, thanks to the revenue generated by the friends of this initiative, many important social works have been made possible, including: assistance to addicts, support for the elderly, care for those afflicted with mental or social disabilities, and aid to those less fortunate. For his creativity in bringing a sense of joy and hope to the lives of many, particularly through the initiative “Frate Indovino,” the Path to Peace Foundation is pleased to bestow upon Reverend Mariangelo da Cerqueto, OFM-Cap., the title of “Servitor Pacis” — Servant of Peace.
|
|