Blessed Giuseppe Antonio Migliavacca

Biography

Blessed Giuseppe Antonio Migliavacca, also known as Arsenio of Trigolo or Arsenio Migliavacca of Trigolo, was born on 13 June 1849 in Trigolo, Cremona, Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia (modern Italy). He was the fifth of twelve children born to Glicerio Migliavacca and Annunziata Strumia.

Giuseppe entered the diocesan seminary in Cremona in 1863, where he received his theological education. After years of dedicated study and spiritual formation, he was ordained a priest in 1874. Following his ordination, he served as a parish priest in Cassano d'Adda, Italy.

In 1875, Father Giuseppe felt called to join the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). He entered the Jesuit order and dedicated himself to the service of God and the spreading of the Gospel. However, his calling led him to a new endeavor in 1893 when he founded the Congregation of the Sisters of Mary, Most Holy Consolatrix. The congregation, which continues its good work to this day, has grown to include hundreds of members in several countries.

Devoted to serving the poor, the sick, and the marginalized, Father Giuseppe's ministry left a tremendous impact on those he encountered. His compassionate and selfless nature drew people to him, and he dedicated his life to the care and spiritual well-being of others.

In 1902, Father Giuseppe experienced a further calling and decided to embrace the Capuchin way of life. He became a novitiate and joined the Capuchin friars in his continued pursuit of holiness.

Tragically, Blessed Giuseppe Antonio Migliavacca's life was cut short when he passed away on 10 December 1909. He died in his convent cell in Bergamo, Kingdom of Italy, due to a brain aneurysm. He was buried in the city cemetery of Bergamo, but his remains were later re-interred in the cemetery of Cepino Imagna, Italy in 1940. Finally, on 13 October 1953, his remains were moved to the chapel of the Motherhouse of the Sisters of Mary, Most Holy Consolatrix in Milan, Italy.

Blessed Giuseppe's holy life and countless acts of kindness and service led to the veneration of his virtues on 21 January 2016 by Pope Francis, who decreed his heroic virtues. His beatification took place on 7 October 2017 in the Cathedral of Santa Maria Nascente in Milan, Italy, with Cardinal Angelo Amato as the chief celebrant.

The beatification process included the recognition of a miracle attributed to Blessed Giuseppe's intercession. On 17 October 1946, Sister Ausalia Ferrario experienced a miraculous healing from pulmonary and intestinal tuberculosis in the chapel of the Sisters of Mary convent in Voghera, Italy, following the prayers for Father Giuseppe's intercession during Eucharistic Adoration. This miracle played a significant role in his beatification.

Blessed Giuseppe Antonio Migliavacca's life continues to inspire people with his dedication to the Gospel, his care for the poor, and his commitment to serving others. He is a shining example of faith and charity, and his beatification is a testament to his holiness and the impact he made during his time on earth.