Saint Who?
Saints Who Promoted the Rosary
Saint Luigi Orione
Priest and founder († 1940)Feast: March 12
As a boy, Luigi Orione had a fiery temper, but also a strong faith and a deep concern for the poor. Born in Italy in 1872, he was a student of the elderly Saint John Bosco, who told him, “We will always be friends.” Shortly after Don Bosco’s death, Luigi entered seminary. He was ordained a priest in 1895.
At his first Mass, he prayed that God would always grant those who came to him “bread, peace, and paradise.” With ceaseless energy, he sought to save souls, establishing schools, homes for the sick, farming communities, and a number of religious and lay groups. “Save always, save everyone, save at any sacrifice,” he told his followers. When a devastating earthquake killed ninety thousand people in Sicily and Calabria, Father Orione went to their aid. Pius X and other popes found in him a trustworthy and prudent assistant in various tasks.
He undertook none of his many endeavors without first turning to the Virgin. “God’s works,” he said “are done with clasped hands and on our knees. Even when we ‘run,’ we must rest spiritually on our knees before him.” He fostered devotion to Mary by every available means. He organized pilgrimages and processions, and had shrines built in her honor. He was canonized in 2004 by Saint John Paul II.
Beloved God, through the rosary, may we rest
in you alone and so find true strength
to run in your service.
