Born in Zeloforamagno (Milan) on March 15, 1874.
Died in Rho (Milan) on January 3, 1946.
Seminary companion of Aurelio Bacciarini, as soon as he was ordained a priest on 12 June 1897, he entered the College of the Oblates of Rho, where for 49 years he distinguished himself for his righteousness of spirit and ardor in preaching, as well as for his beautiful voice and extraordinary musical ability.
He met Don Guanella around 1910 and met him again a few years later during the retreats he preached at Gibellina, the retreat house for the clergy of Como, from March 31 to April 5, 1913. A friend and admirer of Don Guanella, he directed several young aspirants to institute of the Servants of Charity, including Umberto De Angeli, from Rho, later co-founder in Argentina. On the occasion of Don Guanella's last illness, he wrote asking for news and assuring his prayers. He was a witness in the beatification process.
Sources:
Oblate College of Rho, Menology.
Guanellian sources:
Guanellian Letters, n. 1472.
The illness of Don Luigi Guanella, in «La Divina Provvidenza», 1915, p. 148.
Congregation of the Sacred Rites, Comen. or Milan Beatification and canonization of the servant of God Aloysius Guanella [...]. Position on virtues, Summary, Rome, Typis Guerra et Belli, 1950, pp. 366-367.
LEO BRAZZOLI, The Servants of Charity. Biographical profiles (1890-1980), Rome, New Frontiers, 1993, p. 276.
Photographs:
Oblate College of Rho (courtesy of Father Gianfranco Barbieri).