Placido Cortese, the Power of Silence

On the 80th anniversary of his martyrdom, a video series recounts his life and witness of faith and charity

On the 80th anniversary of the death of the Venerable Father Placido Cortese, the Messenger of Saint Anthony magazine tells the story of this friar who, during World War II, did his utmost to save the lives of hundreds of people oppressed by the inveterate hatred of the Nazi-Fascists, such as Jews, political prisoners and allied soldiers.

Father Mario Conte, editorial director of the Messenger of Saint Anthony magazine traces in three video episodes the biography of this Franciscan Conventual friar who was born in Cres in 1907 (then a part of Italy, but now in modern-day Croatia) and later served in St. Anthony’s Basilica in Padua. While director of the Messenger of Saint Anthony, and after the Armistice of 8 September 1943, he began in great secrecy the so-called “Chain of Salvation” on behalf of many people persecuted by the Nazi-Fascists. In silence and with the power of prayer he hid fugitives, procured false documents for them to escape, and protected those who collaborated with him. Faith, which had deep roots in him, became an act of resistance and sacrifice.