Inside the church of San Domenico, in Palermo, the remains of Giovanni Falcone rest, one of the greatest symbols of the fight against the mafia. Who, with his life, paid for his commitment against Cosa Nostra. Around the plaque that bears his name, many honest Palermitans have left letters, appeals and requests for help.
But it is precisely in that church that the boss Tommaso Lo Presti, who spent 12 years in prison because he was considered head of the Porta Nuova district, celebrated his silver wedding in mid-April. A ceremony in grand style, on the altar. It’s a shame that, in theory, mafiosi are excommunicated and shouldn’t set foot in church.
Donations will not be returned
The parish priest of the church of San Domenico justified himself by saying that he did not know that the man was a boss. Then silence. Nobody said a word again. Indeed, through a note, the Dominicans made it known that the boss’s “donation” will not be returned but used to do good for the poor people of Palermo.
Who knows if the boss decided to celebrate his silver wedding there as a sign of defiance towards those fighting the mafia. It’s something we’re unlikely to know. Certainly, however, there is inattention on the part of the church. An inattention that cannot be justified, especially if it is the place where the remains of Giovanni Falcone rest and where, in May 1992, the funerals of all the victims of the Capaci massacre were celebrated.
Maria Falcone, sister of the judge, speaks of an insult to Giovanni and of a demonstration of arrogance by the bosses towards those who represented and represent the fight against the mafia.
Unfortunately, the relationship between the church and the mafiosi dies hard. Excommunications, in fact, have no effect. On the contrary. There have been many episodes of this kind over the years and even more bowing in front of the houses of mafia leaders during neighborhood religious processions.
