About |
The medal celebrating the seventieth anniversary of Monsignor Antonino Denisi's priesthood – Dean of the Curia of Reggio Calabria, has been released. Published on February 3, 2024.
Reggio Calabria, January 28, 2024 – On the occasion of the seventieth anniversary of Monsignor Antonino Denisi's priesthood, a bronze medal commemorating the venerable priest's life and work has been minted.
Monsignor Antonino Denisi, born in Reggio Calabria on February 12, 1931, was ordained a priest on September 21, 1953. A man of profound historical and humanistic culture, he is the author of numerous volumes, including "Colligite fragmenta. The Archdiocese of Reggio Calabria, Bishops, Clergy, and parishes. Emigration and Immigration in Calabria. Health, religiosity, and popular piety in the churches of Reggio," "The days of unity. Images and colors of the 21st National Eucharistic Congress by Antonino Denisi, Ninni De Salvo – Laruffa – 1989," and "Calabrian emigration in the 80s. Antonino Denisi. Laruffa Publisher 1983."
The medal, minted to commemorate his 70 years of priesthood, was crafted in 100 models by the renowned firm Alberti Visconti Senesi of Bergamo, commissioned by Monsignor Denisi himself. It bears the signature of two well-known international sculptors, Francesco Violi and Fortunato Violi, who recently participated in the world exhibition of coinage and medals held at the National Library of Florence last November, organized by the International Art Medal Federation. This federation, active since 1937, is dedicated to spreading the culture of the art of medal-making and showcasing carefully selected authors through catalogs, exhibitions, and conferences worldwide.
The obverse of the medal depicts the façade of the Cathedral of Reggio Calabria, a symbol of the city and its history. The reverse, on the other hand, represents the legend of the sibyl on the birth of the city, with grapes intertwined with the fig.
"I am very happy about this recognition," Monsignor Denisi declared, "which represents a significant moment in my life and my priestly ministry. I thank the artists who created this medal, a work of art destined to bear witness to my service to the Church and the city of Reggio Calabria."
The same sculptors are already known in Calabria for the two projects that led to the creation of monumental bas-reliefs in San Pietro in Maida (CZ) and Staiti (RC), including over 600 figures, thus contributing to spreading and preserving the cultures and history of these places for future generations.