Blessed Francesco Maria Greco

Biography

Blessed Francesco Maria Greco, also known as Blessed Francesco of Acri, was born on 26 July 1857 in Acri, Cosenza, Italy. He was raised in a devoutly religious family, with his mother providing him with early religious education. Despite his father's hopes for him to take over the family business as a pharmacist, Francesco felt a clear calling to the priesthood.

Following his vocation, Francesco pursued his studies in Naples, Italy, and was eventually ordained as a priest in the Archdiocese of Cosenza-Bisignano on 17 December 1881. He began his pastoral ministry as a parish priest at the Church of Saint Nicholas in Acri, Italy, serving there until 1887. During this time, he demonstrated immense dedication to the well-being of his community by initiating the construction of the Caritas hospital.

In 1888, Francesco was appointed as the Diocesan Archpriest, furthering his ability to impact the lives of those he ministered to. He also took on the role of professor of theology, using his knowledge and passion to educate others about the Catholic faith. Aware of the importance of equipping younger generations, he focused on teaching, evangelizing, and catechizing the youth, establishing programs for training new catechists.

In collaboration with Sister Maria Teresa de Vincenti, Francesco founded the Little Workers of the Sacred Hearts in 1892-1893. This religious congregation carries forward his mission of helping the poor and abandoned in various countries, including Albania, Argentina, Africa, Jamaica, Italy, India, the Holy Lands, and the United States.

Blessed Francesco Maria Greco passed away on 13 January 1931 in Acri, Cosenza, Italy as a result of bronchitis. In the course of the canonization process, his remains were exhumed on 19 May 1961. He was venerated on 19 April 2004 when Pope John Paul II recognized his heroic virtues. Later, on 21 May 2016, Pope Francis beatified him during a ceremony in Cosenza, Italy, with Cardinal Angelo Amato as the chief celebrant.

The beatification miracle associated with Blessed Francesco involved the healing of Nina Pancaro. Nina had fallen into a coma after undergoing a severe illness and surgery when Father Francesco appeared in her dream, healing and waking her up. This miraculous event played a significant role in the recognition of his beatification.

Blessed Francesco Maria Greco's life and devotion to his faith serve as an inspiration to all, particularly for his emphasis on education, evangelization, and care for the less fortunate. His legacy lives on through the Little Workers of the Sacred Hearts, who continue to dedicate themselves to the service of the marginalized and oppressed in different parts of the world.