The First Citizens of Boys' Town of Italy

​Below is a memory written by Enzo Buonocore, one of the first citizens at Boys' Town of Italy. Enzo lived in Boys' Town from 1947 until 1955. He remained a close friend of the Monsignor until his death in 2001.


"I met Monsignor Carroll-Abbing in the main harbor of Naples in 1946. After explaining to him that I was looking for food he said, "Follow me." 

Twenty minutes later, we arrived at the Army General Headquarters at Monte Didio. The petite Irish Priest, ordered the soldiers to have a jeep filled with food. We, over 30 people, were able to eat for a week.

One year later, I met the Monsignor again at the Excelsior Hotel in Rome. I was introduced to him by actor Helmut Dantine and the wife of Clark Gable. They gave the Monsignor a big check and asked him to keep them informed about my progress. I arrived at Boys' Town and quickly learned the system of self-government. I proclaimed myself as Monsignor's body guard and he never objected to my unofficial role. I was very proud. Each night, he would leave all of his duties and make rounds to all of the boys, bless them and say good night. 

Two years before Monsignor's death, I travelled around the USA with him, entertaining the American benefactors with my Neapolitan songs. What encouraged me to follow this great human beings was the sincerity of his care and love for the poor children. When I heard of his illness in 2001, I went right to Boys' Town. There I found silence and bewilderment. He was kept isolated in his beloved and precious library. Two of his favorite teachers kept the Vigil. 

A few hours before he lost the power of speech, I was called to his bedside. He gestured for me to come closer and in a very faint voice he whispered, "Do good and be afraid of nothing." He said more but his words faded and were no longer understandable. Some hours later he passed away.
​
I hope that somewhere in the world there are more people like Monsignor John Patrick Carroll-Abbing."