Giovanni Schiavo
Giovanni Schiavo was an Italian Catholic priest in the Congregation of Saint Joseph who dedicated his life to missionary work in Brazil. He is recognized for his spiritual guidance, founding a community of nuns, and his virtuous life, culminating in his beatification.
Key Facts
- ›Giovanni Schiavo was born in Montecchio Maggiore, Vicenza, Italy, to poor but pious parents.
- ›He entered the Congregation of Saint Joseph in 1917 and was ordained a priest in 1927.
- ›Schiavo served as a missionary in Brazil from 1931 until his death in 1967.
- ›He founded the School Sisters of Saint Maria Goretti in 1957.
- ›His beatification process began in 2001, and he was declared Venerable in 2015.
- ›Giovanni Schiavo was beatified on October 28, 2017, in Caxias do Sul, Brazil.
Major Works
- Founding of the School Sisters of Saint Maria Goretti
Congregation of Saint Joseph
About Giovanni Schiavo
Giovanni Schiavo (1903–1967) was an Italian Catholic priest of the Congregation of Saint Joseph, widely known for his missionary work in Brazil. He dedicated his life to serving God and spreading the charism of his order, eventually being recognized for his virtuous life and contributions.
Life and Historical Context
Born in Montecchio Maggiore, Vicenza, Italy, Giovanni Schiavo came from a poor but devout family. His early life was marked by a significant illness, meningitis, which he endured for four years. Despite opportunities for secular work, he felt a strong calling to religious life. He entered the Congregation of Saint Joseph in 1917, drawn to their spirituality and the example of their founders. He pursued his philosophical and theological studies, was ordained a priest in 1927, and served in various parishes in Italy until 1931.
In 1931, Schiavo was assigned to the missions in Brazil, a country where he would spend the remainder of his life. He arrived in Jagurão and later moved to Ana Rech, where he became involved in various ministries, including serving as a school director and later as the provincial superior for his order from 1947 to 1956. He also took on roles as master of novices and teacher, guiding the formation of future religious.
Major Contributions
A significant contribution of Giovanni Schiavo was the founding of the School Sisters of Saint Maria Goretti in 1957. He served as the community's director and a teacher, fostering their spiritual growth and educational mission. He was also sought after for spiritual guidance by priests and religious communities alike.
Beatification
The process for Giovanni Schiavo's beatification began on April 28, 2001, under Pope John Paul II, when he was declared a Servant of God. His life of heroic virtue was confirmed by Pope Francis, who declared him Venerable on December 14, 2015. Following the approval of a miracle attributed to his intercession, Pope Francis officially beatified Giovanni Schiavo on October 28, 2017. The ceremony took place in Caxias do Sul, Brazil, presided over by Cardinal Angelo Amato.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Giovanni Schiavo born and where?
Giovanni Schiavo was born on July 8, 1903, in Montecchio Maggiore, Vicenza, Italy. He was the first of nine children born to Luigi Schiavo and Rosa Fittorelli.
What religious order did Giovanni Schiavo belong to?
Giovanni Schiavo belonged to the Congregation of Saint Joseph, also known as the Murialdines. He entered the order in 1917 and made his final vows in 1925.
What was Giovanni Schiavo's role in Brazil?
Giovanni Schiavo was sent to the missions in Brazil in 1931, where he served for the rest of his life. He was involved in spreading the charism of his order, served as provincial superior, and founded the School Sisters of Saint Maria Goretti.
When was Giovanni Schiavo beatified?
Giovanni Schiavo was beatified on October 28, 2017. The celebration was held in Caxias do Sul, Brazil, with Cardinal Angelo Amato presiding.
What was the miracle attributed to Giovanni Schiavo for his beatification?
The miracle involved the rapid recovery of Juvelino Cara from severe acute peritonitis. Cara's wife invoked the intercession of Giovanni Schiavo, and he experienced a swift and complete recovery.
Related Blesseds
Eustáquio van Lieshout
Eustáquio van Lieshout was a Dutch Catholic missionary priest in Brazil from the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. He is recognized for his pastoral work, particularly in bringing spiritual reform to gold-mining communities and for his role as a healer, which led to significant pilgrimages. He was beatified in 2006.
Assunta Marchetti
Assunta Marchetti was an Italian Catholic who co-founded the Missionary Sisters of Saint Charles Borromeo, also known as the Scalabrinian Sisters. She dedicated her life to serving the orphans of Italian immigrants in Brazil, where she worked from 1895 until her death in 1948. Her beatification was celebrated on October 25, 2014.
Adílio Daronch
Adílio Daronch was a Brazilian Catholic adolescent known for his devotion as an altar server and his accompaniment of Father Manuel Gómez González on evangelization missions. He was murdered alongside Father González in 1924 by revolutionaries who opposed their apostolate, and they were later beatified together. Daronch is now recognized as a co-patron for World Youth Day 2013 and a patron for the Diocese of Frederico Westphalen.