Luigi Orione was an Italian Catholic priest and social advocate born in Pontecurone in 1872. After studying at the Valdocco Oratory in Turin, he was ordained in 1895. He dedicated his life to serving those in need, eventually founding the Sons of Divine Providence in 1903. Throughout his ministry, he established various institutions, including schools, nursing homes, and colonies, to support vulnerable populations across Italy.
Life and work
Following his ordination, Orione focused on social welfare, providing aid to earthquake victims in Calabria and Sicily. He expanded his charitable reach by establishing the Little Missionary Sisters of Charity in 1915. His extensive network of support included the creation of the Shrine of Madonna della Guardia in 1931. He served as a superior general and passed away in Sanremo in 1940.
Veneration
The Catholic Church recognizes Orione as a saint. He was beatified in 1980 and later canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2004. He is honored as the patron saint of the abandoned. His remains are interred in Tortona, Italy, where he is commemorated on his feast day, May 16.