Born in Romano (Bergamo) on November 28, 1841.
Died in Cividino (Bergamo) on 8 November 1914.
Pietro Venceslao Leoni took on the habit of the Friars Minor on 19 July 1857, assuming the name of Ignazio. He made his first religious vows on July 19, 1858, and was ordained a priest on August 14, 1864. He was a theology teacher, provincial minister, secretary and general definition. Eloquent and appreciated orator, he preached in all the main cities of Italy.
When Don Guanella began his foundation in Como in 1886, he went to greet the friars of the convent of Dongo and in the refectory, after having lunch with them, he asked Father Ignazio da Romano, then provincial minister, to give him two friars as his collaborators in the foundation. The friar refused the commitment saying: «Don Luigi, you see too rosy». To which Don Guanella replied: "You will see that although the works of Providence are humble in principle, with your help we will be able to establish not only the foundation of the nuns, but also a convent for the friars".
Sources:
Archive of the Milanese province of S. Carlo Borromeo.
Guanellian sources:
SACRA RITUUM CONGREGATIONE, Comen. seu Mediolanen. Beatificationis et canonizationis servi Dei Aloysii Guanella [...]. Positio super virtutibus, Summarium, Romae, Typis Guerra et Belli, 1950, p. 189 (witness Mons. Ludovico Antomelli).
Photographs:
Not found yet.