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Jan 15,2006 - Jan 22,2006 |
11 - Bringing compassion to the road
Through Caritas Father Gianni Carparelli tackles addiction with devotion and faith
By Antonio Maglio
Originally Published: 2002-12-22
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Gianni Carparelli
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More than a priest, he's a conditioned reflex, or, as advertising copywriters would say, an 'image-man,' because mentioning Caritas in Toronto, but also in Montreal, Hamilton and Vancouver, means mentioning Father Gianni Carparelli. He's aware of this, but rather than resting on his laurels he prefers to remain in the front lines, "because," he says, "that's my place."
Born in Viterbo ("mine is the town of the Popes") 57 years ago, holding a degree in Theology and Psychology, and residing in Toronto for the past 20 years, Father Carparelli is one of the Italian-Canadian community's reference points for untiring activity in addiction rehabilitation. Even Ottawa and Rome took note of him, and that's why the Canadian government conferred upon him the Citizenship Award and the Italian government did the same with the Knighthood of the Republic of Italy. Some years ago, the National Congress of Italian Canadians awarded him its prestigious Ordine al Merito.
Are you satisfied, Father Carparelli?
"Why aren't you using my first name?"
I never do that when interviewing somebody, because I'm a reporter, a witness, whereas my counterpart is someone important.
"Come on... me important? I'm just a priest who tries conscientiously to do his duty. I'm nobody important, no more than if were a Monsignor or a Bishop, and probably I'll never be. If you, too, are conscientiously trying to do your job, let's use first-names; we're at the same level."
Alright, then. Let me repeat my question: are you satisfied?
"Satisfied because I never spared myself in doing what was to be done: I gave all that was mine to give, so I have no regrets. If, on the other hand, we are talking of balancing a budget, there's much left to be done."
What do you mean?
"According to the criteria used by society to define success, I'm a perfect failure, because the percentage of those who, after coming out of Caritas, go back to a responsible and decent life is less than enthusing. If you add the fact that I don't own a house, nor a car, and that my bank account permanently oscillates between existence and non-existence, the picture is complete."
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