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The
33rd Silver Plaque, symbol and testimony of alpine solidarity is
alloted this year to His Holiness Giovanni Paolo II. The Holy
Father, indefatigable witness, strong and inspired by the word of
Jesus.
This inspiration finds its highest expression in giving his own
life for others.He is a man of deep feelings, who has always been
a great admirer of the mountains-living every day the values of
solidarity and fraternity which conserve and transmit the
respectful and sacred silence of His spirituality.
The choice of the Organizing Committee of the International Alpine
Rescue Prize of Pinzolo was laboriously thought out. The prize
should be a recognition for the Christian message; interpreted by
the Pope on which are founded the ideals for those who are trying
to do their best in alpine rescue. Even more it will be a symbol
of gratitude to Carol Woityla for His attention and predilection
for our mountains, chosen twenty years ago as a stage for his
historical meeting with our unforgetable President Sandro Pertini.
The warm embrace was full of affection and esteem between a big
Secular Spirit and the voice of faith which was a deep sign of
hope in the name of peace.
His Holiness resturned in 1998 to the snow of Adamello to bless
the granite altar in His honour, December 31st. “Cresta Croce”
has become “Punta di Giovanni Paolo II.”
The consignment of the “Silver Plaque” will take place, as
usual, the last Saturday of September, September 25th , - at the
Council Hall of Pinzolo at 12.00 o’clock.
The
Holy Mass for the people that live in the mountains will be
celebrated by Cardinal Crescenzo Sepe at 10.30 a.m. in the Church
of San Lorenzo. |
july
1988 - His Holiness Giovanni Paolo II
Adamello
- Rifugio Lobbie (www.crestacroce.it)
july
1984 - His Holiness Giovanni Paolo II
with
Presidenti Pertini - Adamello |
The
“Cavalier” of the Silver Plaque, inventor of the prize and president
of the Organizing Committee himself was saved “miraculously” after a
heavy accident that happened to him two years ago. He knows Giovanni
Paolo II personally and was deeply moved because of his human
dignity and sensibility.
He is very happy that the Pontefice has accepted the recognition and is
now able to write the Pope’s name on the manifestiations’ Golden
Roll of Honour.It was founded to recognize the noble deeds of solidarity
that are often simple and silent, diffused among the people in the
mountains affirming without dread the values that support the love for
one another and the yearning of peace.
In its thirty years’ history the Silver Plaque has been given to men
in alpine rescue, alpine guides, mountain men, volunteers, Doctors and
other service groups. The recognition is indeed not only turned to those
who have dedicated their lives to alpine rescue, but to eveyone who is
involved in risking his life. The prize should give merit to those who
risked their lives in helping others.
The declaration in the name of the Pope reached the committee while they
were examinating the numerous arrivals from every part of the
world, the reference of a Chinese and a Bulgarian deserving plenty of
consideration. It convincted the committee for a unanimous decision.
The prize also enjoys also this year the high patronage of the President
of the Italian Republic.
In addition to the Silver Plaque the prize includes a gold medal for the
families that lost a family member doing alpine rescue. In this year’s
edition the gold medal will be consigned to the relatives of Doctor
Giovanni Ugliendo, a noble person who was mortally injured during a
search for a french mountain climber in the Gelas Mountain Massive,
September 16th , 2003. France bestowed upon him the Legion of Honour.
A very special recognition will be given to the president of National
Alpine Rescue which is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the
foundation and also the churchman Don Ronaldo Binelli from San Antonio
di Mavignola, who will be mentioned for his life dedicated to the
mountains.
On September 25th ,2004, in Pinzolo a high number of authorities have
assured their presence. Also foreign delegations here and abroad.
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