A Mysterious Death

Chapter 1

n the middle of September 1976, an Italian newspaper carried the headline: “Mysterious death in Brazil of a Xaverian Missionary”. The decomposed body of Father Albert Pierobon, aged 48, had been found in a forest more than a month after his disappearance. To this day no-one knows who killed him, or why. Some believe he was murdered by a gang of gypsies, others say he may have been killed by a hit and run truck driver. Everyone who knew him is convinced that he was the victim of his love for the poor people of Brazil where he had spent fifteen years as a missionary.

Father Pierobon came from a large family of eight children. They hailed from Cittadella, in the province of Padua (Northern Italy). Albert, the third child of his parents, was born on December 14, 1927. At the end of primary school, he wanted to join the Franciscans, but his parents told him to wait a while longer. He was endowed with a good and generous character that won him many friends. He animated the children’s activities at the parish oratory and he enrolled in a technical institute to become a skilled mechanic. A tragic event, however, was to change his life entirely: on August 17, 1944, his brother Louis was shot by the Nazis in Padua. Louis was 22 years old and a commander of the partisans, as well as a member of the Catholic Action Movement.  

 The origin of a missionary vocation  

he death of Louis left a great void in his family, and a precious legacy too: his seventeen-year old brother Albert decided that he would follow his example by offering his own life to the missionary cause. He applied to join the Xaverians on August 18, 1946, when he was 18 years old. He had known them in Cittadella and was very impressed by them. In his letter he wrote: “I ask to be admitted to the novitiate. My parents have given me their consent, at least partially, for the moment. Even yesterday, while I was preparing the necessary documents, they repeatedly warned me as on previous occasions. They think I should postpone this decision until I am more certain. But I am now convinced that this is what God wants of me. I trust in the Lord and I know that, together with his Blessed Mother, will assist me”.

The distressing memory of his brother Louis dwelt within his heart. In a letter dated June 19, 1947, he wrote: “I cry for him now even more than before because I feel his absence more with each passing day. I miss having him here to advise and guide me by his example. He always understood me without ever offending me or humiliating me”. He took up the theme again in another letter, three months later: “Louis played a very important part in my life and had a profound influence on me. I have never before felt as close to him as I do today. I have decided to add his name to my own when I make my Religious Profession. I shall henceforth call myself: Albert Louis” (3 September 1947). 

 "I do not place my trust in my own strength"

lbert entered the novitiate on September 1, 1946 and made his first religious profession a year later, on September 12, 1947, taking the name Louis, as he had promised. Some weeks previously, he wrote to the Superior General of the Xaverians: “It is with great joy that I write to you as the end of novitiate approaches. The Lord has bestowed his abundant grace upon me and has conquered my heart. My only home and true peace is in Christ Jesus. I only wish to share with you my intimate desire to dedicate my life entirely to the Lord’s service. The love of Christ which fills my heart leads me to ask you to admit me to the Xaverian Congregation. I am fully aware of the serious nature of my request which I make after long reflection and much prayer. The purpose of this missionary community coincides with my own desires. In its rules I find a most valid help for reaching my life goal: my personal holiness. I am also aware of my impotence in the face of the demanding task of taking Christ to others, but I do not place my trust in my own strength. Since the very first day of the Lord’s call I have placed myself under the protection of our Heavenly Mother. She has always guided me and sustained me throughout this year. She will undoubtedly support me in the future” (August 5, 1947).

I ask to be admitted to the novitiate. My parents have given me their consent, at least partially, for the moment. Even yesterday, while I was preparing the necessary documents, they repeatedly warned me as on previous occasions... But I am now convinced that this is what God wants of me. I trust in the Lord and I know that, together with his Blessed Mother, will assist me.
Fr. Albert Pierobon

Two months after his profession, he replied to the superior who had asked him about his first impressions: “We speak too much about superficial matters and spend too little time in the chapel. It is always the same few who visit the Blessed Sacrament. We are content to do the bare minimum asked of us by the Rule”.

In spite of his robust physique, he did not enjoy excellent health. During his high school years, he underwent surgery on an ulcer and his appendix was removed. He was plagued by digestive problems throughout his entire life. Nevertheless, he never surrendered to discouragement, in spite of the many times he was forced to suspend his activity on account of his health.

 An Excellent and Profound Prayer Life

he rector of the Xaverian house in Desio (Milan) wrote the following report about the student Albert Pierobon on June 13, 1950: “His prayer life is excellent and profound. He has some problems with study on account of his health; he is not well prepared in Latin and Greek, (he was dispensed from the latter). His application, however, is backed up by strong willpower. His discipline is excellent: he is obedient, observes the rules, he is enthusiastic about his vocation, generous in self-giving and a tireless worker. An excellent person. I willingly support his request for admission to perpetual profession”.

In his application Albert Pierobon wrote: “These three years of temporary profession are coming to an end. In his infinite mercy, the Lord has bestowed innumerable graces upon me, far greater than any cross I had to bear and the physical and spiritual sufferings I had to endure. I thank the Lord from the bottom of my heart. I place my trust exclusively in Him and offer myself for the salvation of non-Christians. I hereby ask to be admitted to the perpetual profession”. His performance in Latin and Greek may not have been great, but he had very clear ideas and an iron will when it came to his vocation, with total trust in God. He was prepared to sacrifice himself for the Gospel: little did he know then that this is what he would later do. He faced, and overcame, all the physical and spiritual problems that stood in his way.

Albert Pierobon was ordained priest in Parma on 4 June 1955. He spent the next six years in Italy, working in different communities, assigned to administrative and financial tasks. On 29 May 1961, he finally left for Brazil.