Missionary Animation Arriving on Saturday morning, 5th April, after a seven and a half hour overnight train journey from Rome, the visitors were guests at the Salesian Community of Cisternino. After visiting the places associated with Fr Convertini, (village of Marinelli where he was born, Locorotondo and Cisternino towns where he grew up and worked) the visitors had a feel of the stony terrain, as well as the gentle and hardworking people. In the evening Fr Ellicherail presided of over the Eucharist in the 12th century church of St Nicola at Cisternino. He delivered a very touching homily developing the theme of the disciples of Emmaus though strangers, discover Jesus at the breaking of the Word. He also presided at the Prayer Vigil for Missionary Martyrs. The Salesians and Salesian Cooperators organized the event to remember the missionaries killed in 2007. Fr Ellicherail took the opportunity to give moving testimony of three Salesian martyrs of Imphal in fluent and impeccable Italian. On Sunday, Fr Ellicherail celebrated the Eucharist in the little church of Marinelli village which could seat about 80 people. Almost a double number of people thronged around the altar, sanctuary and even spilled into the church courtyard. Annual Meet of Convertini Association Padre Francesco Convertini Pro-Marinelli Association organized their 9th annual Spring Festival Lunch, Sunday 6th April at Hotel Aia del Vento, Locorotondo where Fr Ellicherail was chief guest along with the mayors of neighbouring towns. About 260 association members along with their families participated in the meal interspersed with song and community dance. ``Each year the enthusiasm to come forward for the cause of peace and solidarity in the name of Fr Francesco is increasing,`` says president of the Associazione Pro Marinelli-Padre Francesco Convertini, Miss Maria Carmela Marangi. ``The funds raised from the event are destined for Krishnagar diocese, particularly for the construction of a children`s park as well as to finance a film on Fr. Convertini`` adds former association president Anagela Rosato a dynamic Salesian Cooperator. Background Info Fr. Francesco was born at Contrada Marinelli on 29 August 1898. He died in Krishnagar winning the hearts of thousands of people of all caste and creed with his simplicity, holiness and austere life style. The next title of sanctity to be conferred on Fr Convertini is VENERABLE. His Cause was introduced on 16 Oct. 1991. Frs. Samuel Mondol and C.M. Paul students at the Salesian University Rome accompanied the visitors. Photo caption: L to R- Br Mathew, Mr. Joseph Convertini, Fr Samuel, Mayor of Locorotondo and Fr Ellicherail at Piazza Padre Convertini (Fr Covertini Square). Dedication plaque at the background reads: Fr Francesco Convertini, Salesian Missionary. Locorotondo 1898, Krishnagar 1976. Lived 50 years in India giving testimony to Christ in the gift of himself. Loved by Hindu, Muslim and Christian people, he exalted the virtues of peasant gentry. Locorotondo, 10th anniversary of death, 1986. Photo by C.M. Paul e-Mail contact padrefrancescoconvertini@yahoo.it