Giuseppe Allamano was an Italian Catholic priest born in 1851 in Castelnuovo Don Bosco. Following his ordination in 1873, he served as a spiritual director and later became the rector of the Santuario della Consolata in Turin. He is best known for establishing the Consolata Missionaries in 1901 and the Consolata Missionary Sisters in 1910. His efforts to encourage missionary work eventually inspired the institution of World Mission Day. He died in Turin in 1926 and was canonized as a saint in 2024.
Life and work
After studying at the Oratory of John Bosco, Allamano earned a doctorate in theology. While serving as rector at the Santuario della Consolata, he oversaw significant structural renovations, including the addition of several chapels to accommodate the faithful. He also engaged in social initiatives and published the monthly periodical La Consolata. Following a period of serious illness, he dedicated himself to founding missionary societies to address the growing needs of the Church.
Veneration
Allamano's path to sainthood included being declared venerable in 1989 and beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1990. His canonization was finalized by Pope Francis in October 2024. He is commemorated in the Catholic tradition, with his feast day observed on February 16.