Saint Gaspare Luigi Bertoni

Biography

Gaspare Luigi Bertoni, also known as Caspar Bertoni, Gaspar Bertoni, or The Apostolic Missionary, was born on 9 October 1777 in Verona, Italy. He was the son of Francis, a wealthy lawyer and notary, and Brunora Ravelli Bertoni. Raised in a devout and pious family, Gaspare received his early education at home and later studied under the Jesuits and the Marian Congregation at Saint Sebastian’s School in Verona. Early in his life, Gaspare experienced the loss of his beloved sister. This event had a profound impact on him and influenced his spiritual journey. At his first Holy Communion, he received a vision and message that he was called to become a priest. Moved by this experience, Gaspare entered the seminary in 1796. During this time, Revolutionary France began a 20-year occupation of northern Italy, disrupting the lives of many. Gaspar joined the Gospel Fraternity for Hospitals and dedicated himself to helping those who were wounded, ill, displaced, or otherwise harmed by the occupation. His compassionate service and dedication to others led to his ordination as a priest on 20 September 1800. Following his ordination, Gaspare became the chaplain to the sisters of Saint Magdalen Canossa convent. He also served as a spiritual director to many individuals, including Venerable Leopoldina Naudet, Venerable Teodora Campestrini, and the entire seminary. He was renowned for his skills as a preacher and gained a reputation for his eloquent and inspiring sermons. Gaspare played a significant role in a Europe-wide movement to provide prayers and support for Pope Pius VII when he was imprisoned by Napoleon Bonaparte. He also established the Marian Oratories, places of devotion dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Additionally, he organized free schools for the poor, emphasizing the importance of education as a means to uplift those in need. On 4 November 1816, Gaspare founded the Congregation of the Sacred Stigmata of Our Lord Jesus Christ, commonly known as the Stigmatines. This religious congregation was established with the mission of serving as "Apostolic Missionaries for the assistance of bishops" and was placed under the patronage of Mary and Joseph. While Gaspare dedicated himself to his mission, he faced severe health challenges. For the last two decades of his life, he was plagued by fevers and a persistent infection in his right leg. Despite the intense pain and suffering, he continued to offer counsel and spiritual guidance from his hospital bed. Over 300 operations were performed on his leg in an attempt to cure the infection. Gaspare Luigi Bertoni passed away on Sunday, 12 June 1853, in Verona, Italy, due to natural causes. Recognized for his virtuous life and extraordinary dedication to his ministry, he was venerated by Pope Paul VI on 15 December 1966 for his heroic virtues. He was later beatified by the same pope on 1 November 1975, and finally canonized as a saint by Pope John Paul II on 1 November 1989. Although not associated with any specific patronage, Saint Gaspare Luigi Bertoni's life serves as a testament to his selfless service to others, his devotion to the Catholic Church, and his unwavering faith in God. He continues to inspire many with his commitment to the poor, his love for the Blessed Virgin Mary, and his perseverance in the face of physical suffering.