Saint Guido Maria Conforti

Biography

Saint Guido Maria Conforti, also known as Saint Guido Conforti, was born on 30 March 1865 in Ravadese, Parma, Italy. From a young age, he had a deep devotion to Christ and had conversations with the crucified Christ in his parish church. At the age of 17, Conforti entered the seminary in Parma, Italy, and was ordained as a priest on 22 September 1888. He then served as a professor and later as the vice-rector of the seminary. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Conforti also took on the role of Vicar of Clergy in the diocese of Parma. On 3 December 1895, Conforti founded the Missionari Saveriani, also known as the Xaverian Missionaries. This congregation was assigned by Rome to evangelize China, and Conforti's efforts in this regard were commendable. His missionary zeal and dedication to spreading the Gospel led to the establishment of numerous missions. Conforti's leadership abilities and devotion to his calling were recognized by the Catholic Church, and he was appointed as the Archbishop of Ravenna, Italy, on 9 June 1902. However, due to poor health, he resigned as the archbishop in October 1904. Following his resignation, Conforti was appointed as the coadjutor bishop of Parma, Italy, and given the titular archbishop of Stauropolis on 14 November 1904. He eventually became the Archbishop of Parma on 12 December 1907. Throughout his ecclesiastical career, Conforti maintained a strong focus on pastoral care and acted as a devoted shepherd for his flock. He made regular visits to his parishes, working to strengthen religious formation and supporting religious education for the laity. Conforti actively encouraged lay involvement with youth, recognizing the importance of their spiritual development. In 1928, Conforti traveled to China to visit the Xaverian Missionaries working there. This trip showcased his unwavering commitment to supporting and inspiring those he had sent to evangelize other parts of the world. Saint Guido Maria Conforti passed away on 5 November 1931 in Parma, Italy, due to natural causes. He was buried in the center of the apse of the church of the motherhouse of the Xaverian Missionaries in Parma. Conforti's remarkable virtues and accomplishments were recognized by Pope John Paul II, who declared him venerable on 11 February 1982. On 17 March 1996, Pope John Paul II beatified Conforti, highlighting the miraculous cure of Sabina Kamariza, a 12-year-old girl with pancreatic cancer in Burundi, Africa, in 1965. Finally, on 23 October 2011, Conforti was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI. Today, Saint Guido Maria Conforti is venerated as a saint and serves as a patron saint for the Xaverian Missionaries. His life and dedication to missionary work continue to inspire individuals around the world.