Monsignor Giuseppe Soldi, a prominent figure in the Cremona diocese and a long-serving parish priest, passed away on , at the age of 94. His death, reported by diocesan authorities on , marks the end of an era for the local community, and a life dedicated to both spiritual guidance and community service.
Born in Casalsigone in 1931, Soldi was ordained a priest in . He served in various roles within the diocese before becoming the parish priest of Sant’Abbondio in Cremona in , a position he held for over two decades until . His tenure at Sant’Abbondio was characterized by a commitment to both the physical and spiritual well-being of his parishioners.
Bishop Antonio Napolioni, presiding over the funeral mass at the Church of Sant’Abbondio, highlighted Soldi’s ability to find joy and beauty in life, even amidst hardship. Napolioni described him as a man who “chose not the easy life, but the true beauty of life,” emphasizing his dedication to community and relationships. The church was reportedly filled with mourners, including family members, fellow priests, and long-time parishioners, demonstrating the widespread impact of his ministry.
Beyond his pastoral duties, Soldi was deeply involved in local initiatives. He played a key role in the restoration and improvement of church properties, including the renovation of the church itself, the installation of a new organ, and the expansion of the parish oratory. He also championed the reopening of a local kindergarten, demonstrating a commitment to the education and welfare of the younger generation.
The Soldi family has a long history of philanthropic work in the Cremona area, stemming from the Casato Soldi, a charitable institution founded by his brother, Fiorino Soldi, who also served as director of the local newspaper, La Provincia di Cremona, from to . This legacy of community support continued with Fiorino’s son, Floriano, a journalist who also contributed significantly to the region.
In his later years, as his health declined, Soldi resided at the La Pace care facility, but continued to maintain connections with his community. Bishop Napolioni noted Soldi’s positive attitude even during this challenging period, recounting a conversation where Soldi, upon entering the facility, simply stated, “Benissimo!” (“Very well!”), demonstrating his resilience and acceptance.
While the provided sources do not detail any financial aspects of the Casato Soldi or the diocese’s operations, the consistent emphasis on charitable work and community investment suggests a significant flow of resources dedicated to local welfare. The extensive renovations undertaken during Soldi’s tenure as parish priest also imply substantial financial commitments, likely funded through a combination of parish donations, diocesan support, and potentially, contributions from the Casato Soldi.
The passing of Monsignor Soldi represents a loss not only for the Catholic community in Cremona, but for the wider region. His decades of service, characterized by a dedication to both spiritual guidance and practical community support, have left a lasting legacy. The large turnout at his funeral, and the heartfelt tributes from Bishop Napolioni and others, underscore the profound impact he had on the lives of those he served.
Following the funeral service on , Soldi’s remains were transferred to the cemetery in Cella Dati for burial.
