The 20-year-olds of Varese bid a final farewell to Martina

Even the bitter cold and frozen churchyard could not keep the crowd of people away from the Church of San Vittore, for the final farewell to Martina Novembre, the young woman who died tragically in an accident in Via Salvo d’Acquisto, one week ago. Many firemen, Varese supporters, and former schoolmates, the 20-year-olds of Varese, were there to say farewell to the coffin wrapped in the red and white flag of Varese football team.

In his sermon, the priest tried to make sense of Martina’s death. “It’s been a week of passion, of crying, of silences and words. But also of cursing, almost to the point of blaspheming, of human prayers. It is all quite understandable,” said the priest. “But will it have been for nothing?”

And this was what the many people present in the Basilica of San Vittore were wondering.

Why should someone die at the age of 20? According to the church, there is only one answer, and it is the word of hope, he who became flesh and blood for mankind. The word is Jesus. “It is with this hope that we think of Martina, in Jesus’ embrace. Martina is now infinitely more joyful than when she was on the terraces. It is a difficult journey for us to accept, but it is in this journey of hope that we may find Jesus again. Martina, pray for your loved ones, for your Mum and your Dad, and for your relatives.”

Outside the church, there were many people who did not manage to get in, and, in the churchyard, under a photo of Martina, an open book where people could write their comments. Among signatures of friends and acquaintances, a comment by Elvira. “Your fate has struck be deeply”.