ZAMBOANGA CITY – Life was hard for Fr. Giancarlo Bossi when he was seized by kidnappers, taking him away from his parishioners for 45 days.
But it would be harder now for both him and the people of diverse cultures that were brought together by his ordeal, as the Italian priest leaves to visit his home country.
Christians and Muslims came together in record numbers yesterday in the Mt. Carmel Parish, in Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay where the 57-year-old Bossi celebrated his last Mass before his scheduled departure for Italy on the first week of August.
This once sleepy town turned festive with drum beats and well-wishers welcoming Bossi.
Security was tight, as people from all walks of life converged in the church compound, according to Col. Jovencio Magalso, commander of the 102nd Army Brigade based in Zamboanga Sibugay.
“We are in full force here and the situation now is relatively very normal and festive in mood,” Magalso said.
He said Bossi’s ordeal brought the Christian and Muslim faithful together, adding that local government officials are now working to rebuild the negative image of the remote town.
“The atmosphere here has been overwhelming and people continue to pour in – be they of Christian or Muslim faith. He is well loved by the people here,” Magalso said.
“People here have been overjoyed seeing their parish priest back and because of the very warm welcome I think Fr. Bossi will leave with a heavy heart,” he added.
Bossi, in a statement following his release last week, said he loved Payao so much that he plans to visit it again.
During the Mass, many parishioners shed tears of joy.
The military described Bossi’s homily as centering on forgiveness and love for his fellowmen.
“Unlike before when sadness blanketed the town, people here are now smiling,” Magalso also said.
A peace caravan from Zamboanga City to Payao organized by Act for Peace capped the welcome program for Bossi.
Bossi, who was released in Lanao del Norte July 19 after more than a month in captivity, was snatched by alleged members of a Moro Islamic Liberation Front faction on June 10.
Last Sunday, Bossi celebrated Mass in Parañaque, where the faithful listened to stories about his days in captivity and how he survived the ordeal. He is scheduled to return to Manila today in preparation for his return to Italy next month.