Lodovico Pavoni was a 19th-century Italian Catholic priest who dedicated his life to the education and welfare of young boys in Brescia. Born in 1784, he was ordained in 1807 and later served as a church rector. He founded the Sons of Mary Immaculate, also known as the Pavonians, in 1825 to support his educational mission. His work included establishing vocational schools, an orphanage, and a publishing house, providing training in various trades to many youths, including those who were deaf or mute.
Life and work
Pavoni focused on social issues by creating the Institute of Saint Barnabas, which offered vocational training in crafts such as blacksmithing, carpentry, and silversmithing. He also established an agricultural section and a publishing house. During cholera outbreaks, he provided aid to the sick. He died in 1849 in Rodengo-Saiano while attempting to protect those under his care during local conflicts.
Veneration
He was beatified in 2002 and later canonized as a saint by Pope Francis in 2016. His path to sainthood involved the investigation of two miracles, including healings in Italy and Brazil. He is recognized as the patron of the Sons of Mary Immaculate, a religious order that has expanded globally to include members in several nations.