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December 27

Odoardo Focherini, husband, father and martyr (1907–1944)

Layman, husband, father, and martyr

Journalist, husband, father of seven children and martyr, Odoardo Focherini organized a network that saved more than one hundred Jews from Nazi persecution.

Biography

Member and leader of Catholic Action, he worked in the press to spread the truth and train young people. Since 1942 he obtained documents, shelters and escape routes to Switzerland. He was arrested in 1944 while helping another person and visited various prisons and concentration camps. In Hersbruck he suffered an infection without medical attention and died offering his life for his diocese, the Church, peace and his family.

Practical advice

Use your profession or your contacts today to protect a threatened person, without waiting for public recognition.

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