Martyr in Congo

Chapter 2. Stunned by their son's decision

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Louis Carrara during his priesthood studies at the Motherhouse in Parma

Apart from a dangerous episode of pneumonia when he was 18 months old, Louis’ childhood was a happy one. When he turned 14, he was ready to go to work and earn a living. The people of Bergamo prefer jobs in industry and it is no coincidence that the region boasts some of the best workers and technicians in the building trade. Louis’s parents asked some friends if they would employ their son and teach him a trade, since it was impossible to find a stable job anywhere without an apprenticeship.

Just when it seemed that Louis had found a job, the assistant parish priest, Father Ercole Ferri, visited the family and told them that their son wanted to become a missionary. More incredulous than perplexed, the parents turned to Father Davide Brugnetti, the parish priest, for advice. Louis had never made any mention of his vocation and the news had taken them by surprise. In agreement with the parish priest, they suggested that Louis join the seminary in Bergamo to prepare for diocesan priesthood. Their son’s determined reply left them in no doubt: even if they forced him to do this, Louis would leave the diocesan seminary at the first opportunity to become a missionary.

His parents realized that there was nothing they could do to dissuade him and, not without some apprehension, gave their consent to his joining the Xaverians in Pedrengo, a community for young missionary students. The superior was Father Eugenio Morazzoni, a tall, imposing figure of a missionary with a white beard. His mother, though she felt the pain of separation from her son, in time came to accept that perhaps Louis had made the best decision and did whatever she could to help him pursue his vocation.

Timid, but Prayerful

Louis entered the Xaverian seminary in Pedrengo in the autumn of 1947, when he was almost 15 years old, in the company of about 80 other young boys who wished to become missionaries. He made an excellent impression on his superiors and settled down to house discipline and systematic study; at the outset, the latter was particularly difficult for him, since he had not studied beyond the last year of primary school. He was immediately appointed sacristan and master of ceremonies of the community.

Though they took up much of his free time, he carried out these tasks with diligence and enthusiasm. Louis was not a boy of many words: he gave the impression of being rather timid both in community and at school. On a face to face level with the rector he showed greater self-confidence: he spoke, asked questions and demonstrated a keen desire for learning. In short, he was a truly sensible boy. Many companions, teachers and members of his family testified to the strong inclination to the contemplative life that characterized Louis before and after his ordination. This made him the pride of his parish priest, Father Davide Brugnetti.

His rector, Father Eugenio Morazzoni, also noted his solid prayer life and how much he seemed at home in the chapel. Louis did not love chatting and noise. He shunned noisy recreations, and he almost always took part in the sporting activity as referee at the football games. He was a resolute, determined and authoritative referee, studying the rules of the game with the same diligence he applied to the liturgical norms. He was liked by everyone also because he was always willing to lend a hand in the many little jobs that need to be done in every religious house. He never wasted time.

Fr. Louis had excellent spiritual qualities, more than sufficient intellectual capabilities and, above all, his good will. I reassured him that everything would work out well for him.
On Fr. Louis Carrara

At the end of secondary school, Louis was rather worried about his ability to cope with the higher level studies of grammar school. He confided his fears to Father Eugenio Morazzoni and suggested that he should, perhaps, pursue the vocation of missionary brother instead of the priesthood. Father Morazzoni, who was aware of his excellent spiritual qualities, his more than sufficient intellectual capabilities and, above all, his good will, reassured him that everything would work out well for him. With the blessing of the Superior General, Louis was sent to Poggio San Marcello, to the community for adult vocations and, thereafter, to Parma where he studied Theology.

He never looked back and, as Father Morazzoni later recalled, he was always happy and settled. As in his previous communities, Louis also stood out in Parma for his serene and meek character and his intense spirit of piety. He spontaneously offered to look after the chapel and applied himself to the task with much diligence and love, dedicating much of his free time to it. 

Fr. Carrara First Mass of Thanksgiving at his parish, together with his parents

Ordination to the priesthood

Louis Carrara’s training for the priesthood lasted 14 years. When the time came, he prepared for his ordination with his characteristic diligence and serenity, by doing an Ignatian retreat in Bassano del Grappa. He was ordained priest on 15 October 1961 by bishop Dante Battaglierin, himself a Xaverian missionary who had worked in China before moving to East Pakistan, where he was appointed bishop of Khulna. The ceremony took place in the church of the Mother House in Parma, and was attended by his parents, relatives and friends. In accordance with the Xaverian tradition, the new priest went on a pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady in Fontanellato and entrusted his priesthood to Her protection.

In October 1961 and September 1962, the people of Cornale di Pradalunga celebrated their illustrious son on two occasions. In October, Louis celebrated his first solemn Mass and almost a year later, he bade his people farewell prior to his departure for the missions. In both circumstances every family of the village was represented.

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