Sad news for Barga this morning with the death after a long illness of the Proposto of the Duomo of Barga, Don Piero Giannini.
His last public appearance in Barga was just three weeks ago where he gave the final blessing at the Processione di Gesu Morto.
As we reported then, it was an emotional evening as the crowd watched a very frail Don Piero being helped onto the Fosso. His amplified voice rang out over the assembled crowds, most of whom knew that this was probably the last time they would see their Proposto performing his duties.
Not sure how many people will remember this but Don Piero was one of the first people in this area using the internet to reach out and communicate using the new fangled technology. He started writing his blog, Letter from the Duomo way back in 2001
Thursday, August 16, 2001
E’ la prima volta che uso questo straordinario strumento che mi permette di inserirmi, piccolo piccolo, in un mondo grande tutto da scoprire. Sono un prete, parroco di Barga, una meravigliosa cittadina in una bellissima Valle della provincia di Lucca. Man mano che andremo avanti insieme, avremo tempo per conoscerci e per ampliare e approfondire le nostre conoscenze. Intanto saluto affettuosamente tutti i visitatori e particolarmente i Barghigiani residenti e all’estero.
Don Piero will be sadly missed by all in Barga and the surrounding areas, he was a figure that was respected by all. I was very sad to hear of his passing yesterday as he married me on last July, God bless him