Luigi Boccardo was an Italian priest born in 1861 who served as the superior general of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Following the death of his brother, Giovanni Maria, he assumed leadership of his brother's religious order. He is recognized for his spiritual writings and his efforts to support religious vocations. During his ministry, he also founded the Sisters of Jesus the King, a contemplative congregation that branched from the Poor Daughters of Saint Cajetan. He died in Turin in 1936.
Life and ministry
After studying with the Barnabite Fathers, Boccardo was ordained in 1884. He held several roles, including serving as a parochial vicar and working for three decades at an ecclesiastical boarding school in Turin. He later directed the Institute for the Blind and oversaw the construction of the Shrine of Christ the King. Known as the "Apostle of Merciful Love," he authored several ascetic works regarding spiritual life and vocations.
Veneration
The process for his beatification began in 1979. After being declared venerable in 2003, he was beatified on April 14, 2007, by Cardinal José Saraiva Martins on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI. His feast day is celebrated on June 9, the anniversary of his death.