Blessed Enrico Rebuschini

Biography

Blessed Enrico Rebuschini, also known as Enrico Nicola Giovanni Rebuschini, was born on April 28, 1860, in Gravedona, Como, Italy. He was the second of five children in an upper-class family hailing from the Lombard region of Italy. From a young age, Enrico demonstrated piety and a strong academic inclination. However, he also experienced bouts of depression and had a mystical outlook on life.

At the age of 18, Enrico felt a divine calling to the priesthood. Despite his deep conviction, his family, particularly his father, strongly objected to his desires. Despite their opposition, Enrico's family eventually relented, and at 24 years old, he commenced his studies at the seminary in Como, Italy. Enrico pursued his education at the renowned Lombard College and Gregorian University in Rome.

Enrico's journey was, unfortunately, interrupted by a severe episode of depression. This setback forced him to return to his family home and eventually seek recovery in a nursing home. Once he had recuperated and was ready to resume his studies, Enrico carefully reconsidered his vocation with the guidance of his confessor. Encouraged by his spiritual advisor, he decided to join the Camillians, a religious congregation dedicated to the care of the sick. At the age of 27, Enrico entered his novitiate.

Receiving a special dispensation from the future Pope Saint Pius X, Enrico was ordained a priest on April 14, 1889. His ministry focused on serving the sick in Verona, Italy from 1889 to 1899. During this time, he professed his solemn vows within the Camillian Order in 1891. After his service in Verona, he dedicated the remainder of his life to the San Camillo di Cremona nursing home, where he worked for nearly four decades.

During his time at San Camillo di Cremona, Father Enrico Rebuschini served as the community's treasurer for 34 years and later as the superior for 11 years. However, his life was not limited to administrative tasks. Father Enrico's true calling lay in prayer and tending to the needs of the people he served. He dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the day-to-day care of the sick and infirm, embodying the compassionate spirit of the Camillian congregation.

Blessed Enrico Rebuschini passed away on May 10, 1938, in Cremona, Italy, due to pneumonia. His selfless dedication to the service of others, unwavering faith, and heroic virtues attracted the attention of Pope John Paul II, who declared him venerable on July 11, 1995. Further recognizing his exemplary life, Pope John Paul II beatified Enrico Rebuschini on May 4, 1997. The feast day of Blessed Enrico Rebuschini is celebrated on May 10th each year.