Blessed Giuseppe Ambrosoli

Biography

Blessed Giuseppe Ambrosoli, born on July 25, 1923, in Ronago, Como, Italy, was the seventh son of Giovanni Battista Ambrosoli and Palmira Valli. Growing up, Giuseppe displayed a deep sense of compassion and a strong desire to serve others.

During World War II, as a college student, Giuseppe actively participated in efforts to assist Jews in escaping persecution. He courageously played a role in smuggling Jews into neutral Switzerland, risking his own safety to save lives. This early experience marked the beginning of his lifelong commitment to humanitarian work.

After completing his medical studies, Giuseppe became a physician and surgeon. However, he also felt a strong calling to the priesthood and joined the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus. He was ordained a priest and continued to serve as a physician missionary, combining his medical skills with his devotion to the Catholic faith.

In 1956, Blessed Giuseppe Ambrosoli embarked on his mission in northern Uganda, where he would dedicate over 30 years of his life to providing healthcare to the impoverished communities in the region. He started his work by expanding a small dispensary into a modern hospital, which he named St. Mary's Hospital. The hospital would become a symbol of hope and healing for countless people in the area.

Recognizing the need for trained midwives, Ambrosoli also founded the Saint Mary's Midwifery School. Through this educational institution, he empowered local women with the necessary skills to provide maternal care and reduce maternal mortality rates.

Ambrosoli's selfless dedication to his medical and missionary work earned him the love and respect of the people he served. His compassion extended beyond physical healing, as he also attended to the spiritual needs of his patients, offering them solace and guidance through his priesthood.

Tragically, on March 27, 1987, at 1:50pm, Blessed Giuseppe Ambrosoli passed away at the Comboni Mission in Lira, Uganda, due to renal failure. His death was deeply mourned by the community he had served so tirelessly, as well as by fellow missionaries and medical professionals who had been inspired by his example.

In recognition of his exemplary life and virtues, Pope Francis declared Ambrosoli to be venerable on December 17, 2015. Later, on November 20, 2022, Pope Francis beatified him, signifying the Church's recognition of his holiness and sanctity. The beatification recognition ceremony took place at the Sacred Heart Parish Church in Kalongo, Uganda, and was presided over by Archbishop Luigi Blanco.

Blessed Giuseppe Ambrosoli's life stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to the well-being of others. His selflessness, bravery, and dedication to both medicine and faith continue to inspire individuals around the world to serve their communities with love and compassion.