November 5
Guido Maria Conforti (1865–1931)
missionary bishop
He was born in Parma, Italy.
Biography
He was ordained a priest in 1888 and consecrated archbishop of the city of Ravenna in 1902; After resigning due to illness, he was appointed bishop of Parma, the see he would run until his death. Parallel to his activity as bishop, Guido develops an entire missionary work that culminates with the founding of the “Xaverian Missionaries”, whose sole and exclusive purpose is that of missionary activity ad gentes. Currently this institute has almost 900 effective members present in 19 countries. What is surprising about this Blessed is the extreme simplicity and “normality” of his spirituality. And this is where its holiness lies: the extraordinary in the ordinary, the harmonious balance of all virtues, human and Christian. In him, sweetness is perfectly united with strength, respect for the person with sincere words, elegance with poverty, apostolic impatience with the constant fulfillment of daily duty, interior life with activity. All their spirituality is centered on Jesus Christ, the dynamic and inspiring principle of all thought and action.
Practical advice
In a spirit of service, prepare well for a conversation in which you must guide someone and start again with humility if it doesn't go well.