Young priest dies of cancer weeks after ordination

A young Italian priest given special permission to be ordained two years before he finished his seminary studies has died of cancer.

Fr Salvatore Mellone, 38, from Trani-Barletta-Bisceglie archdiocese, died on June 29, two and a half months after he was ordained.

When he was diagnosed with terminal cancer, the young priest was given special permission to be ordained early, and received the blessing of Pope Francis.

Two days before his April 16 ordination, the former journalist, writer and poet received a phone call from the Pope.

“The first blessing that you’ll give as a priest, you’ll give to me. Salvatore, I’m with you. You ‘ll be ordained and you’ll celebrate Mass,” the Pope assured him over the phone.

At his ordination, Fr Mellone said, “Today I feel myself carried on the shoulders of Christ; and as a priest I’ll wear the stole with Christ, for the salvation of the world.

“Moreover, to celebrate just one Eucharist, for me will be a real participation in the priesthood of Christ.”

A statement from the Trani archdiocese shortly after the priest’s death noted that he had a recurrent expression for “the many people who came to visit him over the last few months: ‘to be a priest is beautiful.’”

“Despite his illness, he always warmly embraced everyone who came to see him,” the statement continued.

“He listened to what everyone had to say. He consoled everyone.”

The statement also noted: “During the last year Father Salvatore spent a lot of time in hospitals and despite his heartbreaking pain, he always found the time and the right words to encourage and inspire hope.”

“During the last days of his life, when his sight was going bad, he said that he had learned to pray with nature.

“With his weak voice, he constantly prayed to the rhythm of life that came into his room from the balcony,” the statement concluded.

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