Priest and Founder (1872-1940)
His life
+ The man who would come to be known as “Don Orione” was born in Ponecurone, Italy. After joining the Franciscans, he was forced to return home because of ill health.
+ Luigi studied under Saint John Bosco and was present when Don Bosco died. This relationship left an indelible mark on the young man and he entered the seminary in Tortona, Italy.
+ While still a seminarian, he opened a house for the poor, homeless and abandoned in 1893.
+ Luigi was ordained a priest in 1895.
+ In the years after his ordination, he established several religious communities, including the Sons of Divine Providence, the Ladies of Divine Providence, and the Little Missionaries of Charity. He also established a Maria shrine in Tortona, Italy, which became a gathering place during times of war and unrest.
+ Before his death, Don Orione traveled around world, establishing houses in Wales, Brazil, the United States, and various parts of Italy.
+ Saint Luigi Orione died on March 12, 1940, and was canonized in 2004.
For reflection
“Without Prayer nothing good is done. God’s works are done with our hands joined, and on our knees. Even when we run, we must remain spiritually kneeling before Him.”—Saint Luigi Orione
Prayer
We humbly ask you, almighty God,
that at the intercession of blessed Luigi
you may multiply your gifts among us
and order our days in peace.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(from The Roman Missal: Common of Pastors—For One Pastor)
Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.
And today we celebrate...