Interview with Maurizio De Angelis, illustrator of the book Saint Joseph. The Story of a Great Father
March 19, Saint Joseph's Day and Father's Day!
This year, we are celebrating “the father of fathers” and all fathers in an original way, namely through an interview with Maurizio De Angelis, who is the father of two children and illustrated the book Saint Joseph. The Story of a Great Father.
1. Maurizio, if you had to introduce yourself to our readers in three words, what would you say about yourself?
I love playing and creating games, which are an integral part of my profession: in fact, in addition to writing screenplays for animation studios and illustrating books, I create board games and develop video games. I consider play an excellent way to bring people together and learn while having fun, which is why I have always nurtured this passion (perhaps I have always remained a little bit of a child in this respect). In three words, I consider myself a reliable, composed, and… creative person. I believe these words describe me well because they represent three fundamental aspects of my personality.
2. As a father, what values do you think are important to pass on to children today? And how can a father do this?
Above all, I believe respect is important: respect for others (family members, friends, and enemies) and for the world we live in. I consider respect a powerful expression of love that inspires and guides everyone's life and encompasses loyalty, transparency, and forgiveness. Fathers (including me) are given the daily opportunity to be role models of respect in their children's eyes, to encourage them in the right way.
3. By illustrating the book Saint Joseph. The Story of a Great Father, you had the opportunity to “meet” Joseph, who was a great father. Can you tell us about your experience illustrating the book?
It was a very beautiful and profound experience. Beautiful because Saint Joseph is a positive example for all of us fathers. Profound because, while illustrating the story, I felt a very pleasant sense of peace and comfort, which I tried, in my own small way, to convey through the drawings.
4. In your opinion, why is it important to introduce children to Saint Joseph?
Because he is a figure whom everyone thinks they know but whom, perhaps, few know in depth. In this book, children have the opportunity to understand the beautiful father-son relationship between Saint Joseph and Jesus, both by reading the texts and by looking at the illustrations that portray a glimpse of the Holy Family’s daily life.
5. As a father, what has this “journey” with Saint Joseph taught you, and what do you believe is the most valuable lesson Joseph can offer fathers today?
Saint Joseph is a model of life even before being a great example of fatherhood. His acceptance of life and his active trust in God’s will can teach us a great deal about living in the right way. As a father, I believe that putting ourselves to the test every day is the foundation of our role: in this respect, Saint Joseph is certainly a perfect model of obedience and involvement in our relationship with our children. A model that should be explored and shared as widely as possible.
Best wishes to all fathers! May they always find in Joseph a “great father,” a friend who can guide them through the wonderful adventure of being fathers!
