Saint Louis Orione

Biography of Saint Louis Orione

Saint Louis Orione is an Italian Catholic saint, who was born in Pontecurone, Piedmont, on June 23, 1872. He was a great charity worker and a religious leader, who fought for education and assistance to the poorest and most disadvantaged in society.

Luís Orione was raised by his mother, Carolina, in a deeply religious environment. Carolina taught young Orione almsgiving and mercy towards the poor, a firm commitment to religion and perseverance in his work.

Feeling his call to mission very early, Orione accompanied Father Cattaneo to the Pontecurone hospital, learning to pay attention to the sick and suffering. In 1886, he entered the Oratory of Don Bosco in Turin, where he received spiritual guidance and advice from the saint himself.

In 1889, he entered the diocesan seminary of Tortona, to prepare for the priesthood. During this period, Orione developed her desire to dedicate herself entirely to orphaned and abandoned children. He was ordained a priest in 1895, and since then, he began a series of actions to serve the poorest and most undervalued.

During his life, Saint Louis Orione founded several institutions to help those most in need, in addition to creating Religious Congregations: Little Work of Divine Providence, hermits of Divine Providence, Little Missionary Sisters of Charity and Blind Sacramentine Sisters. He also traveled to South America to visit and encourage his missionary children.

Saint Louis Orione died on March 12, 1940, in San Remo, Italy. He left a great work of charity and love for the poor, and was canonized by Pope John Paul II on April 25, 2004.

References:

• National Spirituality Directory. Saint Louis Orione.
• Congregation of Divine Repose. Biography of Saint Louis Orione.