Callistus Caravario
Callistus Caravario was a Salesian priest who served as a missionary in China. He is remembered as a martyr, having been killed by Bolshevik pirates alongside Bishop Luigi Versiglia in 1930 while attempting to protect young girls.
- Feast Day
- February 25
- Century
- 20th century
- Country Or Region
- China
Key Facts
- ›Callistus Caravario was born in Cuorgnè, Italy, on June 18, 1903.
- ›He was inspired by Bishop Luigi Versiglia to join the mission in China.
- ›Caravario was ordained a priest by Versiglia in Shaoguan.
- ›He was martyred on February 25, 1930, along with Luigi Versiglia.
- ›Their deaths occurred when their boat was stopped by Bolshevik pirates.
- ›Caravario was canonized on October 1, 2000, by Pope John Paul II.
About Callistus Caravario
Callistus Caravario was an Italian Salesian priest and missionary who was martyred in China. Born on June 18, 1903, in Cuorgnè, Italy, he was inspired by Bishop Luigi Versiglia to join the Salesian missions.
Life and Ministry
Caravario joined the Salesians and, after expressing a strong desire to serve in China, was eventually sent there. His missionary journey included time in Macao and Timor before he returned to Shaoguan. He was ordained a priest by Bishop Versiglia on May 18, 1929, and was then assigned to the mission at Lianzhou.
Martyrdom
On February 25, 1930, while accompanying Bishop Versiglia on a pastoral visit to Lianzhou, their boat was intercepted by Bolshevik pirates. The pirates attempted to abduct young girls traveling with them. Both Versiglia and Caravario attempted to intervene and were struck by the pirates. They were taken ashore and subsequently shot, dying as martyrs. Their bodies were discovered two days later.
Sainthood
Callistus Caravario's cause for sainthood progressed after his death. He was declared a martyr by Pope Paul VI in 1976 and beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1983. He was formally canonized as a saint on October 1, 2000, by Pope John Paul II, sharing the canonization with Bishop Luigi Versiglia.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Callistus Caravario born and where?
Callistus Caravario was born in Cuorgnè, Italy, on June 18, 1903.
What led Callistus Caravario to China?
He was inspired by Bishop Luigi Versiglia's words about missionary work and insisted on joining the mission in China.
How did Callistus Caravario die?
He was martyred on February 25, 1930, when Bolshevik pirates attacked his boat. He and Bishop Versiglia were shot by the pirates while trying to protect young girls.
When was Callistus Caravario recognized as a saint?
He was declared a martyr by Pope Paul VI in 1976, beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1983, and canonized by John Paul II on October 1, 2000.
What religious order did Callistus Caravario belong to?
Callistus Caravario was a member of the Salesians.
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