Father Elia Panizza, missionary to Gabon, dies at 79

Father Elia Panizza, a Claretian priest known for his extensive missionary work in Gabon, has passed away at the age of 79. Born in 1947 in Mandello del Lario, Panizza was ordained in 1976.

He spent over thirty years in Gabon, specifically in Franceville, where he focused on the education and vocational training of children and young people to help them integrate into the workforce. His efforts included the establishment of a new church, which was consecrated in 2012. After returning to Italy in 2010, he served as a parochial vicar in Segrate and continued to support Gabonese youth through Mission onlus.

In his later years, Panizza lived with Parkinson's disease, which limited his physical movement but did not diminish his dedication to others. His funeral is scheduled for Monday, September 7, at the Church of Sant'Eufemia in Olcio.