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Feast Day: January 27
Birth: July 8, 1903
Death: January 1, 27
Blessed João Schiavo, also known as Giovanni Schiavo, was born on 8 July 1903 in Sant'Urbano de Montecchio Maggiore, Vicenza, Italy. He was the eldest of nine children born to Luiz, a shoemaker, and Rosa Schiavo. During his youth, João faced a severe health challenge when he suffered through four years of meningitis, which nearly took his life.
João's strong faith and determination led him to join the Josephites of Murialdo, also known as the Murialdines, in 1917. During his time with this community, he had the opportunity to come across Venerable Eugenio Ruffo, a powerful spiritual figure. On 10 July 1927, João was ordained as a priest in Vincenza, Italy, and subsequently served as a parish priest in Modena and Oderzo.
His missionary spirit led him to Brazil, and he arrived in Jaguarão on 5 September 1931. Later that year, on 25 November, he moved to Ana Rech and devoted himself to the work at Colégio Murialdo. João's dedication to education and parish work brought him to Galópolis, Brazil in 1935, where he established a school and parish community. In 1937, he took on the responsibility of directing Colégio Murialdo and coordinating the Josephine priests in Ana Rech.
In 1956, João relocated to the Josefino Seminary of Fazenda Souza, where he dedicated his efforts to the formation of the Murialdine Sisters of Saint Joseph. Throughout his life, he possessed a deep sense of devotion and commitment to the Catholic faith, seeking to inspire others in their spiritual journeys.
Blessed João Schiavo's life came to an end on 27 January 1967 at 9:30 am in Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. He passed away due to liver damage caused by hepatitis and liver cancer.
His holy virtues and exceptional dedication to the service of God and people were recognized, leading to his veneration on 14 December 2015 by Pope Francis. He was beatified on 28 October 2017, in a ceremony presided by Cardinal Angelo Amato, which took place in the Pavilhões da Festa da Uva, Caxias do Sul, Brazil. The miracle that led to his beatification involved the cure of Juvelino Cara from acute peritonitis on 9 September 1997, which was attributed to the intercession of Blessed João Schiavo.
Blessed João Schiavo's life and work continue to inspire and serve as a testimony to his unwavering faith and selfless dedication to others. He is celebrated on his feast day, 27 January, and his memory is cherished by all who recognize the holiness and virtue he exemplified throughout his life.