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Also known as
Caspar Bertoni; the Apostolic Missionary
Profile
Son of Francis, a wealthy lawyer and notary, and Brunora Ravelli Bertoni,
he was raised in a pious family. His beloved sister died when he was quite
young. Gaspar was educated at home, then by Jesuits and the Marian
Congregation at Saint Sebastian's School in Verona, Italy.
At his first Communion he received a vision and message that he was to
become a priest, and he entered the seminary in 1796. On 1 June 1796,
troops from Revolutionary France began a 20 year occupation of northern
Italy. Gaspar joined the Gospel Fraternity for Hospitals, and worked to
help those wounded, ill, displaced, or otherwise harmed by the occupation.
Ordained on 20 September 1800.
Chaplain to the sisters of Saint Magdalen Canossa convent. Spiritual
director to many including Venerable Leopoldine Naudet, Venerable Teodora
Campestrini, and an entire seminary. Well known preacher. One of the
leaders in a Europe-wide movement to offer prayers and support for Pope
Pius VII when he was imprisoned by Napoleon Bonaparte. Established the
Marian Oratories. Organized free schools for the poor. Spread devotion to
the Five Wounds of Christ.
Founded the Congregation of the Sacred Stigmata of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Stigmatines)
on 4 November 1816. Their mission was to serve as "Apostolic Missionaries
for the assistance of bishops", and they were under the patronage of Mary
and Joseph.
Beset by fevers and a continuing infection in his right leg during the
last two decades of his life. Over 300 operations were performed on his
leg in an effort to stem the infection. Continued to serve as counselor
and spiritual director from his hospital bed.
Born
9 October 1777 at Verona, Italy
Died
Sunday 12 June 1835 of natural causes
Beatified
1 November 1975 by Pope Paul VI
Canonized
1 November 1989 by Pope John Paul II
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