I wish I didn't have to write this "open card" at this moment and, for sure, not in the present circumstances... as we were prevented from properly saying "thank you" after the long time that you've given yourself to the service of evangelization in South Africa.

Yes, I wish we could get together, once more, and listen to you sharing some of the historical moments of the Consolata Missionaries' presence and work in South Africa since the day of your arrival in Cape Town - 15.525 days ago (28 February 1969).

I wish you had the time to see some of your many friends in this country, and in the Missions were you sweated for so many years to give people a decent living and to lead them in becoming a Community and welcoming Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

The fact is: those are only wishes, and as such they remain since the events and decisions took the the lead and pulverized all our dreams and plans...

There is one thing, though, that I wish very much and can do - and that is to say, as truly as possible: Thank you, Giorgio!

I say thank you on behalf of the people and communities to whom you dedicated more than 42 years of your apostolic zeal in Cape Town, Piet Retief, Damesfontein, Berbice, Madadeni, Mamelodi, Embalenhle and Daveyton.

I say thank you on behalf of the Confrères with whom you lived and worked in the Delegation of South Africa.

I say my personal thank you for the six years of what was for me groundbreaking work, in Berbice: my greatest gratitude, Giorgio, for those days in which you showed me the way. It is, indeed, as the poet puts it: "verus amicus amore, more, ore, re cognoscitur" - the true friend is recognisable by the affection, the behaviour, the words, the facts.

Dear Giorgio, tomorrow you'll leave for Italy where you'll receive an appointment... be strengthened by the prayers and affection of all those who, during your four decades in South Africa, derived benefits and blessings from your missionary ministry. And, please, remember us all at the Consolata Shrine!

Unwele olude, Baba Mfundisi, and... avanti in Domino kuze kube siphinde sibonane, kuleli noma kwelizayo.