Filippo Smaldone
Filippo Smaldone was an Italian Roman Catholic priest and the founder of the Salesian Sisters of the Sacred Hearts. He is best known for his extensive work with the deaf and for his commitment to catechesis and the care of orphans and the mute. His sainthood cause commenced in 1964, and he was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in 2006.
- Century
- 20th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Filippo Smaldone was born in Naples in 1848 and was ordained a priest in 1871.
- ›He founded the Salesian Sisters of the Sacred Hearts, dedicated to work with the deaf.
- ›Smaldone was recognized for his commitment to catechesis and the care of orphans and the mute.
- ›He founded an institution for the deaf and mute in Lecce in 1885.
- ›His sainthood cause began in 1964, and he was beatified in 1996.
- ›He was canonized as a saint of the Catholic Church on October 15, 2006.
Salesian Sisters of the Sacred Hearts
About Filippo Smaldone
Filippo Smaldone (July 27, 1848 – June 4, 1923) was an Italian Roman Catholic priest and founder of the Salesian Sisters of the Sacred Hearts. He is primarily remembered for his extensive and dedicated work with the deaf community throughout his life.
Life and Ministry
Born in Naples in 1848, Smaldone was the eldest of seven children. He was ordained to the priesthood on September 23, 1871. During his studies, he began his apostolate aiding the deaf of Naples and also ministering to the sick. Despite facing personal frustrations and even considering foreign missions, his spiritual director encouraged him to continue his work with the deaf and mute. He survived a cholera outbreak in 1884, attributing his survival to divine intervention. In 1885, with the assistance of Lorenzo Apicella and several nuns, he founded an institution for the deaf and mute in Lecce. He later expanded his order, opening branches in Rome and Bari. His order was aggregated to the Order of Friars Minor in 1912 and received papal approval after his death.
Smaldone was also instrumental in founding the Eucharistic League of Priest Adorers and the Eucharistic League of Women Adorers to promote devotion to the Eucharist. He briefly served as superior of the Missionaries of Saint Francis de Sales. His efforts were recognized by both civic and religious authorities, who commended his charitable work and made him a canon of Lecce Cathedral. He was also an expert at a conference of teachers for the deaf in Milan in 1880.
Sainthood
The process for Smaldone's canonization began in 1964. He was declared Venerable by Pope John Paul II on July 11, 1995, acknowledging his heroic Christian virtue. Pope John Paul II beatified him on May 12, 1996, after recognizing a miracle attributed to his intercession. Pope Benedict XVI formally canonized Filippo Smaldone as a saint of the Catholic Church on October 15, 2006, in Saint Peter's Square.
Legacy
Filippo Smaldone's enduring legacy is carried on by the Salesian Sisters of the Sacred Hearts, the congregation he founded to continue his mission of service to the deaf and other marginalized individuals. His dedication to catechesis and the care of the vulnerable left a significant mark on charitable and religious work in Italy.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Filippo Smaldone born and when did he die?
Filippo Smaldone was born on July 27, 1848, and died on June 4, 1923. He lived to be 75 years old.
What is Filippo Smaldone best known for?
Filippo Smaldone is best known for his extensive work with the deaf throughout his lifetime. He was also the founder of the Salesian Sisters of the Sacred Hearts.
What did Filippo Smaldone found?
He founded the Salesian Sisters of the Sacred Hearts, an order dedicated to serving the deaf. He also founded an institution for the deaf and mute in Lecce in 1885.
When was Filippo Smaldone canonized as a saint?
Filippo Smaldone was canonized as a saint of the Catholic Church by Pope Benedict XVI on October 15, 2006, in Saint Peter's Square.
What was Filippo Smaldone's contribution to the deaf community?
Smaldone dedicated much of his life to working with the deaf, establishing institutions and an order specifically to aid them. He was recognized for his commitment to their care and education.
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