26/10/2025
Saint Leonardo Murialdo was born in Turin on October 26, 1828. After the death of his father, his devout mother sent him to study with the Piarist Fathers in Savona. Returning to Turin, he pursued theology and was ordained a priest in 1851. He devoted his life to the education and care of poor and abandoned youth, working in the oratories of Turin, including the Guardian Angel and San Luigi.
In 1866, he began serving at the Collegio Artigianelli, dedicating himself completely to the Christian and professional formation of underprivileged young people. In 1873, he founded the Congregation of St. Joseph (Giuseppini del Murialdo) to continue this mission. He also established a family home, an agricultural colony, and supported the Catholic press and workers’ unions, playing an important role in the Piedmontese Catholic movement.
He died on March 30, 1900, and was canonized in 1970. His spirituality emphasized trustful surrender to God’s tender and merciful love and dedication to the poorest youth.
His feast day is celebrated on May 18.
