(1872-1940) Luigi Giovanni Orione was born to a poor family in Italy. At 13, he tried to join the Franciscans but had to leave due to poor health. He attended a school run by Saint John Bosco and the Salesians for three years, and John Bosco said he was one of his favorite students. Luigi suffered from an illness for several years that was miraculously cured when he was present at John Bosco’s death. Inspired by the Salesians, he started a school for the poor while he was a seminarian. Luigi founded Sons of Divine Providence and the Little Missionary Sisters of Charity. He travelled extensively in Italy, Wales, Brazil, and the United States, building and administering his foundations.
Luigi was inspired by the life, work, and personal witness of Saint John Bosco. Who are the people, saints, or living witnesses in your life and your recovery that inspire you to rise to greatness in service?
“Without prayer nothing good is done. God’s works are done with our hands joined, and on our knees. Even when we run, we must remain spiritually kneeling before Him” (Saint Luigi Orione).
Reflection by Brad Farmer