"We want to give recognition to the Salesian world rooted in the central districts of the city", said the Mayor with conviction, recalling the incessant work of Fr Zoppi as teacher and assistant, as a Salesian priest, for the most disadvantaged. That is why Canaviglia 2024 is dedicated to a personality who has helped to give lustre to the city and will be recognised by an award from the city precisely on the day that marks the anniversary of Livorno’s elevation to the rank of city, which took place in 1606.
Even in local newspapers, signed by Francesco Ingardia, Fr Zoppi is remembered on this occasion as the one who since 1976 "has assumed a crucial role in the assistance provided to young drug addicts, challenging the conventions of the time with visionary educational and social proposals such as prescriptions for drug cancer. "Not only that," the journalist continues, ”but in the 1980s he dealt with the spread of AIDS among young drug addicts by establishing therapeutic communities, and has then dedicated himself since the 2000s to refugees and immigrants." All things that with the contribution of the Salesian Educative and Pastoral Community in Livorno, he has done concretely, contributing to creating welcoming experiences such as family homes in the city and in Livorno’s suburbs.
News of the award was given to Fr Zoppi by the Mayor of Livorno himself, who wanted to communicate it to him in person, reaching him at the Salesian house in the city in Viale Risorgimento, explaining to him as he took him by the arm, that "by rewarding him, the Salesian who is close to the least, we intend to give recognition to the whole Salesian world rooted in many nerve centres of the city as a point of reference".
The recognition known as "Canaviglia" is attributed by formal deed of the Mayor, on the basis of any proposals submitted in writing to the Mayor both by private citizens and by Bodies and Associations. The Canaviglia takes its name from one of the ramparts of the Old Fortress of Livorno, in turn named after the commander of the seafleet who expanded and strengthened the bastion; it is represented by a rectangular silver plaque that reproduces the image of the ancient building placed on the bastion of the Old Fortress on the seaside, with the inscription MUNICIPALITY OF LIVORNO above and the recipient and the date below. The reason for the recognition is shown on a special parchment.
Sources: Don Bosco Italy, Municipality of Livorno
