No image available
Feast Day: July 13
Birth: May 14, 1821
Death: July 13, 1893
Blessed Ferdinando Maria Baccilieri, born on 14 May 1821 in Campodoso (modern Modena), Italy, was raised in a devoutly religious family. Recognizing his religious inclinations from a young age, his parents encouraged his vocation. He received his education from the Barnabite order in Bologna and later from the Jesuits in Ferrara, Italy.
In 1838, Ferdinando entered the novitiate of the Society of Jesus in Rome. However, due to health problems, he was compelled to leave and return home. Once his health improved, he resumed his studies and focused on theology in Ferrara. He was ordained a priest in 1844 and embarked on his lifelong journey of serving God and His people.
Father Ferdinando Baccilieri became widely known and respected as a noted spiritual director and preacher of home missions. His dedication to his vocation led him to teach Italian and Latin at the seminary in Finale Emilia, Italy. Additionally, he pursued studies in civil and canon law at the prestigious Pontifical University of Bologna.
In 1851, the Archbishop of Bologna called upon Father Ferdinando to administer a troubled parish in Galeazza, Italy. Through his tireless efforts and deep faith, he successfully renewed and revitalized the faith of the community. Consequently, he was appointed the parish priest, and he faithfully served in this role for an astounding 41 years.
In 1867, an unfortunate loss of voice rendered Father Ferdinando unable to preach publicly. Despite this setback, he continued to contribute greatly to the spiritual well-being of his parishioners through individual spiritual direction and spending extended periods hearing confessions, sometimes totaling up to 16 hours at a time.
Father Ferdinando's exceptional holiness and profound spiritual guidance attracted numerous individuals seeking his counsel and mentorship. Unbeknownst to him, a religious congregation began to form around the parish. The Confraternity of the Sorrowful Mother was initially established to educate impoverished young girls in the area. Later, the Servite Third Order came into existence. Father Ferdinando played a pivotal role in founding a small convent for the members in 1862. Eventually, in 1866, the group was formally established as the Mantellate Servile Sisters of Rome, with approval from the Archbishop of Bologna in 1899 and the Vatican in 1919.
Blessed Ferdinando Maria Baccilieri dedicated his life to the service of God and the Church, leaving an enduring legacy of faith, education, and spiritual guidance. He passed away on 13 July 1893, a date that is commemorated as his feast day. Recognizing his immense holiness and contributions to the Church, Pope John Paul II venerated him on 6 April 1995 and subsequently beatified him on 3 October 1999.
Today, the Confraternity of the Sorrowful Mother, which originated from Father Ferdinando's work, continues its mission of service in Italy, Germany, Brazil, South Korea, and the Czech Republic, spreading God's love and providing education and care to those in need.