Grimoaldo Santamarina (1883–1902)

Biography

Throughout his novitiate, Grimoaldo was distinguished by his spirit of intense piety and by his transparency with the spiritual director. Having made his religious profession, he changed community to Cecano, the congregation's house of philosophical and theological studies. Grimoaldo found it quite difficult to study, which he overcame with persevering effort and with the constant help of his teachers. Devotion to the Most Holy Mary was the mold that shaped Grimoaldo's intense spiritual experience. His life in these formative years reflected joy, peace, hope and fraternal solidarity. At the age of 19, he suffered from acute meningitis that led to his death in a few days. The community was convinced that a saint had died. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1995.