Charles Steeb was a German Catholic priest born in Tübingen in 1773. Raised in a Lutheran family, he converted to Roman Catholicism in Verona in 1792, a decision that led to him being disowned by his parents. After his ordination in 1796, he dedicated much of his life to serving the sick and impoverished. He is most notably remembered as a cofounder of the Sisters of Mercy of Verona, an institute established in 1840 to assist those in need.
Life and work
Following his conversion, Steeb served in the Lazaretto, where he provided care to soldiers wounded during the Napoleonic wars. He pursued studies in law and languages before focusing his ministry on the poor and hospital inmates. He joined a brotherhood of priests and laymen to support these efforts. His spiritual devotion was centered on Mary, whom he honored as the Mother of Mercy.
Veneration
The process for his beatification began in the mid-20th century, with his spiritual writings being approved by theologians in 1952. After being declared Venerable by Pope Paul VI in 1970, he was beatified in 1975 following the recognition of a miracle. He is commemorated on December 15, the day of his death in Verona.