For 50 years Don Alessandro Pacchia has been a modest priest, holding the position of sacristan in the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the basilica famous for the Cupola of Florence.
This latest project by The Florentine’s resident filmmaker, David Battistella, is a private journey into the life and daily work of a simple priest who never rose through the ranks, preferring rather to serve his superiors diligently and to smile and offer a few words of encouragement to the hundreds of millions of who have visited piazza Duomo. At age 80, Don Alessandro acquired his first computer and became a blogger. Now 87, he has over 5,000 Facebook friends around the world. While overcoming the effects of a stroke and the physical impediments and pain associated with the osteoarthritis that hinders the movement of his ageing body, Don Alessandro’s faith only deepens and his resolve to communicate what he has learned grows stronger. The soundtrack by Maestro Stefano Burbi features performances by soprano Susanna Rigacci, known for her work with Ennio Morricone.
On the film, David Battistella commented, “My film is about a person who is 100 percent committed to his mission and Don Alessandro uses every moment to live his life with dignity and love. For me that is very powerful.”
Light and Spirit: The Life of Don Alessandro Pacchia
Cinema Spazio Uno – Via del Sole, 10, Florence
June 13, 5.30pm + 8.30pm / June 18, 5.30pm
Bonus content here
