Andrea Beltrami was an Italian Salesian priest and writer who lived from 1870 to 1897. Born in Omegna, he joined the Salesians of Don Bosco in 1883 and was formally clothed by Don Bosco himself in 1886. Despite suffering from tuberculosis, he completed his studies in philosophy and literature at the University of Turin. He was ordained a priest in 1893 and spent his brief life dedicated to religious service and literary pursuits before passing away in Turin at the age of 27.
Life and works
During his four years of priesthood, Beltrami was a prolific author, producing approximately 20 works that were published after his death. His writings included biographies of figures such as Saint Jean-Baptiste de La Salle and Joan of Arc, as well as translations of the works of Saint Francis de Sales. His literary output spanned various subjects, ranging from historical accounts to religious biographies.
Veneration
The process for his beatification was initiated by Pope Benedict XV in 1920. Following the establishment of a diocesan tribunal, he was declared venerable by the Catholic Church on December 5, 1966.