Luigi Guanella was an Italian Catholic priest born in 1842 in Campodolcino who dedicated his life to assisting the impoverished. Throughout his ministry, he established multiple religious communities, including the Daughters of Saint Mary of Providence and the Servants of Charity. His work focused on providing relief to the poor globally, guided by the principle of love in all things. After his death in Como in 1915, his life was formally recognized for its heroic virtue, eventually leading to his canonization by the Roman Catholic Church.
Religious work
Guanella founded several organizations to serve those in need. Alongside collaborators such as Giuseppe Toniolo and David Albertario, he established the Servants of Charity in 1908. He also created the Daughters of Saint Mary of Providence in 1890. Additionally, he formed the Pious Union of Saint Joseph in 1914 with the support of Pope Pius X. These groups were dedicated to global charitable efforts for the destitute.
Canonization
The process to recognize his sanctity began in Como in 1923. He was declared Venerable in 1962, and Pope Paul VI beatified him in 1964. Following the investigation of miracles, including the recovery of a man in the United States, Pope Benedict XVI canonized him as a saint in 2011. His feast day is observed on 24 October.