The arrival of thousands of Istrian refugees after the Second World War and the charisma of the Bishop of Rovinj Antonio Santin, a true defensor civitatis in the final phase of the conflict, contributed to transforming the secular Trieste into a city more sensitive to the Church. In the diplomatic uncertainties that characterized the Cold War in Venezia Giulia, starting from the never established Free Territory of Trieste to the Treaty of Osimo passing through the bloody days of November 1953, the Diocese represented one of the few stable, lasting and sensitive points of reference for the citizens.

This historical climate also affected the formation of Don Ettore Malnati, originally from Varese, but for a long time personal secretary of Monsignor Santin, from whom he acquired not only doctrinal teachings, but also the same significant approach to the complex events of the eastern Italian border. As he had the opportunity to declare in an interview given to the local newspaper on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his priesthood, Malnati learned from Santin the ability to be with discretion and determination "knowledgeable and inserted in history, in particular in the very complex history of this city".

And in this attention to the events of our land, Don Ettore has always shown closeness to the Julian-Dalmatian exodus community and also in his literary production, dedicated with particular care to the figure of Santin, one perceives a sharing that goes well beyond the charitable characteristics of a priest. The cultural and spiritual growth of Don Ettore in Trieste has made him a friend and an important presence for the Istrian, Fiume and Dalmatian exiles, who therefore express particularly fervent wishes for this half century of his wonderful priestly work.

Renzo Codarin
President of the National Association of Venezia Giulia and Dalmatia