SOME SAINTLY FRUITS OF THE Fruits of Preventive System
Willi De Koster (1974-1984) A Mexican. He died of leukaemia after six years of illness, during which he showed all his maturity and serenity. He was a Salesian pupil in Chapalita. He had a cheerful but painful life, which he crowned like a little saint.
Marcela Cruz Atempoa Morales (1967-1983) Mexican, a past pupil of the FMA, fascinated by Laura Vicuña. She died of leukaemia. She picked the hymns for her own funeral. In 1981, after the attempt on the Pope, Marcela wrote him a touching letter in which she told him, amongst other things: “If the Lord calls me to follow him I am ready, like the sheep that follows its shepherd.” During her time in hospital, she willingly played the flute to cheer up the other patients.
Renato Scalandri (1919-1944) A past pupil of the High School in Valsalice. He was called up during the war as a second lieutenant with the Alpine guards. He was imprisoned, and died in the concentration camp at Hammerstein, when he was treacherously and unwarrantedly struck by a sentry. He prayed the Rosary daily, but his basic prayer was his life, his loyalty, and his human uprightness, which sprang from his Gospel vision. He held various posts in Catholic Action, right up to national level.
Sigmund Ocasion (1976-2000) A past pupil of Mandaluyong (Philippines) to which he remained very attached, even after moving to Toronto. He was a model amongst his companions and died of a tumour. He was gifted with a very lively intelligence and a unique kindness. During his illlness, he became known in the hospital as “that special boy”. Fr Occhio wrote of him: “I have seen in this boy the serene face of Christ on the Holy Shroud.”
