Saint Who?
Saints of the Ordinary
Blessed Alberto Marvelli
Layman († 1946)Feast: October 5
When Alberto died in an automobile accident at the age of twenty-eight, even his political enemies spoke of their respect for the young man’s honesty and dedication to justice.
Alberto was born in Ferrara, Italy, and was only fifteen when his father died, but his mother—who fed the poor from her own kitchen—was always a strong influence on him and his five siblings. He was a typical boy who loved sports, but he also rose early each morning to pray. He was elected president of his Catholic Action group, graduated with a degree in engineering, and worked as a teacher. Alberto risked his life many times as he searched for the wounded and dying after air raids during World War II. With his own money, he bought food, clothing, and blankets, which he gave away to the poor. When the Nazis occupied his country and many Italians were sent by train to concentration camps, Alberto secretly broke open the sealed carriages and helped people to escape.
After the war ended, he became a town councilor and opened a soup kitchen. Seeing politics as a means of bringing both faith and justice to society, he joined a political party and ran for office. His unexpected death occurred immediately before the election. Many citizens voted for him anyway. His mother was elected to serve in his place.
Loving God, give us hearts full of compassion
for those who are suffering.
