The archbishop's bodyguard becomes a deacon: who is the former policeman (father of three daughters) who wears the vestments?
Mauro Ravazzani, 61 years old
Corbetta (Milan), November 9, 2025 – Among the eight new deacons ordained yesterday morning in Milan's Cathedral was 61-year-old Mauro Ravazzani , a well-known figure in the diocese for the role he has held for years. He has always been a discreet figure, a sort of shadow, carrying out the delicate task of ensuring the safety of the archbishop , who is currently leading the Ambrosian Church. For this reason, he must follow the archbishop in his every move outside the walls of Piazza Fontana, both in public events related to his mandate and in private.
" The first archbishop I followed was Martini. I took on this role when, in the early 1980s, the police established a permanent security detail in the Curia following threats received from Martini himself," he recalls. "After the emergency phase, my work in the Curia continued, and even today the archbishop doesn't want to retire," he says proudly. "He wants me at his side, even though with the new role assumed with this ordination, I will certainly have other duties to perform."
A law graduate, he joined the police force, first in Turin and then at the DIGOS (Special Operations Unit) in Milan. He is married with three daughters. After his experience working alongside Cardinal Martini, Ravazzani remained assigned to the Curia and ensured the safety of Tettamanzi and Scola : "I learned a lot from being with them. I grew both personally and spiritually." He remembers Martini's shyness and sensitivity, Tettamanzi's paternalistic nature (he was the one who baptized his three daughters), and Scola's severity , which softened over the years.
The archbishop doesn't want to retire me, he wants me by his side. But I'm changing roles.
After leaving the police force, Ravazzani was given a public safety assignment by the Ministry of the Interior, limited to security during the bishop's travels. And it was this association with Delpini today and with other archbishops in past decades that sparked the idea of a diaconate.
“I have always looked with admiration at the permanent diaconate, but I must admit that it was Don Mario himself , chatting with me, during one of our transfers , who made me want to delve deeper into the possibility to undertake the diaconal path .” Delpini's was not a provocation, but a discreet invitation to a life choice, for which at 54 he had to pick up his books again to study and prepare for the diaconate. “During these six years of formation, Delpini has always been a discreet observer towards me, ensuring, between one pastoral commitment and another, the possibility of finding space and time for study. I admire his tireless dedication to his episcopal ministry, both in his presence and in prayer. It is not uncommon for us to recite a few decades of the Rosary when we travel by car to reach a parish or an organization.”
The choice to become a diaconate was shared by Ravazzani with his family. "My job is very demanding in terms of the number of hours I spend with the bishop," Ravazzani acknowledges. "I still manage to carve out some time to spend with my wife Roberta and my daughters." Today, Sunday, November 9th, Mauro Ravazzani will be celebrated in the parish of Corbetta , attending the 10:00 a.m. Mass, and from 5:00 p.m. onward, he will preside over the celebration of Vespers with Eucharistic Benediction.
Il Giorno
