Entry 49: Francesca Catrini - Kindness with Chicken Soup

Location: Sicily, Italy

Date: September, 1901

There was one less rooster crowing in the mornings and strutting around the yard demanding to be noticed - that was because Francesca Catrini had used him for a very special purpose. A family matter was in need of urgent attention, and the most generous way she could show her support was by providing the nourishing gift of food.

In 1901, Francesca and her husband Carmelo Casella lived in Sant’Angelo di Brolo with their six children: Pietro - aged 12; Giovanni - 11; Giuseppe (my grandfather) - 7; Carmela - 5; Maria - 3; and Rosa - just a few month old . At the start of the year, Francesca’s life took an unexpected turn beyond her control, placing her at the centre of a moral dilemma. It's often said that a person's true character is revealed during challenging times. If this is true, then Francesca’s actions reflect a gracious and caring woman with deep compassion for the wellbeing of others.

In September, the news she’d been waiting for finally arrived – her stepson was born safely, and it was now her husband’s obligation to acknowledge that he was the father of the baby. With her encouragement, they agreed this was his duty and the responsible thing to do. After all, the baby was part of their family and the half-brother of their children.

"Comu isti a prima vota, torni puru ora!" Francesca declared firmly. "Like you went the first time, now you're going again!"

Carmelo travelled more than fifty kilometres by donkey, to the distant Sicilian town of Caronia to see his son (and possibly register his birth). He brought wholesome chicken soup for the baby's mother to help with her recovery and strengthen good health – a meal selflessly prepared with great generosity by Francesca.

Born on 21 September, 1901 the baby was named Antonino.

Francesca Catrini outside her cottage

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EXTRA INFORMATION

1. Antonino’s mother was Francesca Ridenti. She later married Carmelo Pintaudi who adopted Antonino.

2. A couple of years later (in 1903), Carmelo and Francesca Catrini also named their newborn, Antonino. As the family expanded over the decades, nieces and nephews identified their two uncles according to where they lived:

• “U zu Nino di susu”

  Uncle Nino, who lived up the mountain - referring to Antonino Pintaudi

  
  

• “U zu Nino di iusu”

  Uncle Nino, who lived down the mountain - referring to Antonino Casella

  
  

Antonino Pintaudi

3. Even today, a comforting bowl of hot chicken soup has the power to soothe and heal wounds, regardless if the recovery is from emotional or physical causes.