Leonardo Murialdo (1828–1900)

Biography

He is a sweet and noble person, a brother who gives everything to other brothers who have no home or family, who are alone and without love, who do not know God. At the age of 17, after a religious crisis, he decided to consecrate himself to God and in 1851 he received priestly ordination. He is the priest of the poor neighborhoods, the apostle of the little chimney sweeps, of the street children, of the imprisoned, of the young workers. Think about the professional training of young people, their training for the adult and working world. In 1866 he agreed to direct the "Artesanitos" school, an institution for poor and orphaned children. Docile to the will of God and to give continuity to his educational mission, on March 19, 1873 he gave life to the Congregation of San José (Josefinos de Murialdo), made up of priests and lay people. Saint Leonardo's pedagogy can be summarized "in the spirit of gentleness, patience and familiarity, because this is the secret to achieving good among children and young people." This educational style finds its source in the merciful love of God that Murialdo experienced since his youth. All this can be summarized in living with children and young people as "friend, brother and father." Today the Josefinos of Murialdo continue in the Church their love for children and young people in youth centers, schools, homes, parishes, missions... They are present in several countries in Latin America, Europe and Africa. On May 3, 1970, Leonardo Murialdo was proclaimed a saint by Pope Paul VI. His party is celebrated on May 18.