Thomas Reggio (1818–1901)

Biography

At the age of 20, he left his comfortable life to become a priest. At the age of 25 he was already rector of the Chiavari seminary, and in 1877 he was consecrated bishop of Ventimiglia, an extremely poor diocese, which he toured on more than one occasion, riding a mule. He was a clairvoyant and passionate shepherd of his flock: "Lord, here I am, I am here to fulfill your will. I want to bring many souls to you," he prayed when he took office. He opened new parishes, revived the liturgy, and when an earthquake shook the region, he was the first to bring help. His mended cassock and the watch tied with a piece of rope testified that the bishop, truly rich as he was, had become poor for his people. At the age of 74 he wrote to the Pope asking to be exempted from his position due to his age and what would be his surprise when the Supreme Father appointed him archbishop of Genoa, a difficult position because it was a city with many problems since the civil authorities were hostile to all religious manifestations. However, due to his obedience and sanctity of life, his influence was so significant that in a short time the Genoese submitted every initiative to him. He gave impetus to workers' societies, agricultural cooperatives, and insurance companies. And very soon he began to gain the esteem of even his adversaries. All this peace and balance that he spread was surely found in the intense life of prayer and penitence that he practiced, always appearing confident and jovial, without showing off his austere life. When he was on his deathbed they asked him if he wanted anything, and he responded: “God, God, God alone is enough for me.” He was beatified on September 3, 2000.