Saint Who?
Saints of the Ordinary
Blessed Giuseppe Toniolo
Married layman († 1918)Feast: September 4
Giuseppe was born in Treviso, Italy, but his family moved several times during his childhood due to his father’s occupation. Giuseppe studied jurisprudence in college, but rather than pursuing a legal career, he decided to become an economics professor.
Ten years after graduation, he married Maria Schiratti. He and Maria were unlike in many ways. While he was thoughtful and introspective, she was outgoing and practical. But they both placed God at the center of their marriage and lovingly handed on their Catholic faith to their seven children. Giuseppe prayed the rosary daily and keenly felt the importance of abandoning oneself to divine providence.
In 19th-century Italy, there was fierce debate—and often violence—between proponents of capitalism and proponents of socialism. As an economics professor at various Italian universities, Giuseppe pointed out the dangers of both systems. He was also careful to explain that a proper understanding of economics must respect religious values. His thinking influenced the thought and writings of Popes Leo XIII and Pius X, particularly Leo XIII’s famous encyclical Rerum Novarum. Giuseppe was a supporter of social reform and labor unions, and he was personally active in lay movements such as Catholic Action. A lifelong devotee of the Blessed Mother, Giuseppe died on the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary.
God of Wisdom, show us how to bring the truths
of our faith into the workplace.
