Lizzano Pistoiese
English after Italian text
Una visita a Lizzano Pistoiese oggi non è giustificata solo dalle straordinarie opere d'arte che avevano arricchito la vecchia chiesa parrocchiale che era stata distrutta da una frana nel 1814 e che poteva essere restaurata; ma anche per l'esistenza di alcuni murales nelle strade della città e una scultura in bronzo nel cimitero, opere di alcuni artisti fiorentini del "Donatello" che raccontano la storia di John Murphy.
A visit to Lizzano Pistoiese today is not justified only by the extraordinary works of art that had enriched the old parish church which had been destroyed by a landslide in 1814 and which could be restored; but also for the existence of some murals in the city streets and a bronze sculpture in the cemetery, works by some Florentine artists of the "Donatello" who tell the story of John Murphy.
Sergeant John Murphy had landed with his regiment in Livorno in the early winter of 1945 and was in command of a company of soldiers of the 10th division.
On the evening of January 15, he entered the church while it was snowing heavily, put his things on the ground and pulled out the rosary for the courteous protests of the parish priest to show that he was Catholic and that he was absolutely not lacking in respect and the need for war forced to take advantage of that temporary refuge. He was struck by the crucifix of Baccio da Montelupo which dominated the main altar and also by the faint oil lamp of the SS. Sacrament. He made friends with Don Mario Frati and worked in the village for more than a week, doing a lot of charity work. When the front moved north and therefore had to leave the comfortable accommodation of the rectory, the parish priest said, inspiring: "Why don't you become a priest?" Sergeant Murphy was stunned there; but as soon as he said goodbye, he went to Harvard University in Boston and graduated in theology and philosophy. He became a priest, a friend of the presidents of the United States and also of Pope John Paul II, of which he was a guest in Krakow, Poland.
LIZZANO
Una visita a Lizzano Pistoiese oggi non è giustificata solo dalle straordinarie opere d'arte che avevano arricchito la vecchia chiesa parrocchiale che era stata distrutta da una frana nel 1814 e che poteva essere restaurata; ma anche per l'esistenza di alcuni murales nelle strade della città e una scultura in bronzo nel cimitero, opere di alcuni artisti fiorentini del "Donatello" che raccontano la storia di John Murphy.
Il sergente John Murphy era atterrato con il suo reggimento a Livorno all'inizio dell'inverno del 1945 ed era al comando di una compagnia di soldati della 10a divisione.
La sera del 15 gennaio, entrò in chiesa mentre nevicava pesantemente, mise le sue cose a terra e tirò fuori il rosario per le cortesi proteste del parroco per dimostrare che era cattolico e che non lo era assolutamente mancava di rispetto e la necessità della guerra lo costrinse a trarre vantaggio da quel rifugio temporaneo. Fu colpito dal crocifisso di Baccio da Montelupo che dominava l'altare maggiore e anche dalla debole lampada a olio della SS. Sacramento. Fece amicizia con don Mario Frati e lavorò nel villaggio per più di una settimana, facendo molto lavoro di beneficenza. Quando il fronte si spostò a nord e quindi dovette lasciare la comoda sistemazione della casa canonica, il parroco disse, ispirando: "Perché non diventi un prete?" Il sergente Murphy rimase sbalordito lì; ma non appena salutò, andò
alla Harvard University di Boston e si laureò in teologia e filosofia. È diventato
sacerdote, amico dei presidenti degli Stati Uniti e anche di papa Giovanni Paolo II, di cui è stato ospite a Cracovia, in Polonia.
alla Harvard University di Boston e si laureò in teologia e filosofia. È diventato
sacerdote, amico dei presidenti degli Stati Uniti e anche di papa Giovanni Paolo II, di cui è stato ospite a Cracovia, in Polonia.
LIZZANO
A visit to Lizzano Pistoiese today is not justified only by the extraordinary works of art that had enriched the old parish church which had been destroyed by a landslide in 1814 and which could be restored; but also for the existence of some murals in the city streets and a bronze sculpture in the cemetery, works by some Florentine artists of the "Donatello" who tell the story of John Murphy.
Sergeant John Murphy had landed with his regiment in Livorno in the early winter of 1945 and was in command of a company of soldiers of the 10th division.
On the evening of January 15, he entered the church while it was snowing heavily, put his things on the ground and pulled out the rosary for the courteous protests of the parish priest to show that he was Catholic and that he was absolutely not lacking in respect and the need for war forced to take advantage of that temporary refuge. He was struck by the crucifix of Baccio da Montelupo which dominated the main altar and also by the faint oil lamp of the SS. Sacrament. He made friends with Don Mario Frati and worked in the village for more than a week, doing a lot of charity work. When the front moved north and therefore had to leave the comfortable accommodation of the rectory, the parish priest said, inspiring: "Why don't you become a priest?" Sergeant Murphy was stunned there; but as soon as he said goodbye, he went to Harvard University in Boston and graduated in theology and philosophy. He became a priest, a friend of the presidents of the United States and also of Pope John Paul II, of which he was a guest in Krakow, Poland.
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