Adolfo Barberis was an Italian Catholic priest born in Turin in 1884. Serving as a personal assistant to the Archbishop of Turin for many years, he later worked as a professor and dedicated much of his life to supporting women in domestic service. In 1921, he established the Sisters of Christian Servanthood to provide education and moral guidance to women seeking employment. Despite facing professional isolation and slanderous accusations following the death of his benefactor, he remained committed to his religious mission until his death in 1967.
Life and ministry
After completing his theological studies, Barberis was ordained in 1907. He served as a close aide to Cardinal Agostino Richelmy, even accompanying him to papal conclaves. His diverse ministry included teaching sacred art to seminarians and serving as a chaplain at a military hospital. Following the death of his patron, he faced difficulties with his successor, Cardinal Fossati, due to misunderstandings regarding his work and unfounded allegations about his influence within the archdiocese.
Founding and later years
Motivated by the social challenges faced by women during the First World War, Barberis founded his religious order to assist domestic workers. His reputation was eventually restored through the support of Cardinal Michele Pellegrino. In his final years, he suffered from significant health issues, including several surgeries, and eventually retired to the motherhouse of his congregation, where he passed away in Turin.
Veneration
The process for his beatification began in Turin in 1995, at which point he was named a Servant of God. In 2014, Pope Francis declared him Venerable after confirming that he had lived a life of heroic virtue. His religious order, which has since expanded to include houses in Mexico and Colombia, continues to carry on his legacy of service.