Luigi Guanella

Luigi Guanella (1842–1915) was an Italian Catholic priest renowned for his charitable work and the founding of several religious communities dedicated to assisting the poor.

Life and Ministry

Born on December 19, 1842, Guanella became a priest and devoted his life to serving those in need. His commitment to charity led him to establish significant religious institutions. He co-founded the Daughters of Saint Mary of Providence in 1890 and the Servants of Charity in 1908, working with friends David Albertario and Giuseppe Toniolo. Later, in 1914, with the support of Pope Pius X, he founded the Pious Union of Saint Joseph. The Servants of Charity adopted the motto "In Omnibus Charitas" ("In all things Love"), which deeply influenced Guanella's personal ethos.

Path to Sainthood

The process for Guanella's canonization began with an informative process in Como, starting on February 1, 1923, to gather evidence of his saintliness. His writings were examined and found to be in line with Catholic doctrine. He was declared Servant of God on March 15, 1939, and proclaimed Venerable on April 6, 1962, by Pope John XXIII, who recognized his heroic virtue. His beatification took place on October 25, 1964, in Saint Peter's Basilica, presided over by Pope Paul VI, following papal approval of two miracles. The second miracle, necessary for his canonization, involved the healing of an American man named William Glisson, who experienced a rapid recovery after a severe rollerblading accident. This miracle was investigated and approved, leading to his canonization as a saint by Pope Benedict XVI on October 23, 2011, in Saint Peter's Square. The postulator at the time of his canonization was Rev. Mario Carrera.