March 12

Italian. 1872-1940
Great advocate of the poor and orphans.
Canonized by Pope John Paul II, May 16, 2004

Joined the Franciscans at Voghera, Italy as a young man, but developed severe health problems and returned to his family. Studied under Saint John Bosco at Turin, Italy, was present at Saint John's death, and was cured of his illness during Saint John's funeral.

Studied at the seminary in Tortona, Italy. While still a layman and student, he opened San Luigi House at San Bernardino in 1893, a home for the poor, homeless and abandoned. Ordained on 13 April 1895.

Founded the Hermits of Divine Providence congregation, the Ladies of Divine Providence, and an orphanage in Rome, Italy in 1899. Under the patronage of Pope Saint Pius X, he founded the Little Missionaries of Charity. Constructed the Marian shrine at Tortona, a site that became a rallying point for people during times of political unrest. To administer the houses of his congregations, Luigi traveled the world, visiting houses in Wales, Brazil, the United States, and throughout Italy.


"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." -Luigi Orione