Saint Luigi Versiglia
First Salesian bishop in Guangdong, killed with Father Caravario in 1930
- Rank
- Saint
- Kind
- Bishop, Martyr, Missionary
- Life
- 1873 – 1930
- Era
- 20th century
- Feast
- 25 February
- Countries
- Italy, China
Life story
Luigi Versiglia was born on 5 June 1873 at Oliva Gessi, province of Pavia, Italy. He joined the Salesians of Don Bosco, was ordained priest in 1895 and served as novice master near Rome. In 1906 he led the first Salesian expedition to China, reaching Macau in January.
In 1920 he was appointed the first vicar apostolic of Shaozhou and was consecrated bishop in 1921. He founded an orphanage, homes for the aged and two leper colonies, and did manual work among local people.
On 25 February 1930 he and the Salesian priest Callisto Caravario were travelling by boat on a river near the Lin-Chow mission when a group of pirates stopped them. Both were shot, and the Church regards the deaths as martyrdom, since they were defending the young women travelling with them.
Pope John Paul II beatified the two on 15 May 1983 and canonised them on 1 October 2000. His feast is 25 February.
Works and witness
- Led the first Salesian expedition to China in 1906
- First vicar apostolic of Shaozhou, consecrated bishop in 1921
- Founded an orphanage, aged-care homes and leper colonies
- Shot on 25 February 1930 with Callisto Caravario
- Canonised on 1 October 2000
Saints from the same country
References
- Decrees of beatification (1983) and canonisation (2000), John Paul II
- Salesian Bulletin / Salesians of Don Bosco, biography of Luigi Versiglia
- Martyrologium Romanum
Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.