Blessed Louis Tezza

Biography

Blessed Louis Tezza, also known as Aloysius Tezza or Luigi Tezza, was born on 1 November 1841 in Conegliano, Italy. He was the only son of Augustine Tezza, a physician, and Catherine Nedwiedt. Tragedy struck when Louis was nine years old, as his father passed away, leaving him in the care of his mother. Subsequently, Louis's mother decided to move to Padova, Italy.

At the age of 17, on 8 December 1858, Louis entered the Ministers of the Sick of Saint Camillus de Lellis, more commonly known as the Camillians, in Verona, Italy. Around the same time, his mother chose to become a nun. Louis's dedication to the religious life led him to be ordained as a priest on 21 May 1864.

For the next four years, Father Louis Tezza actively participated in the formation of new religious members. Although he had an opportunity to become a missionary to Africa, his superiors disagreed with the idea. Consequently, he was assigned as a novice master in Rome, Italy. In 1871, Father Louis was transferred to France, where he continued his work as a novice master. He eventually became the Provincial of the Order in France, during which he established various facilities to provide spiritual and health assistance to the sick.

However, in 1880, the religious institutions in France were suppressed, leading to Father Louis's expulsion from the country. Despite this setback, he returned to France covertly and succeeded in uniting the scattered Camillians throughout the nation. Father Louis Tezza's dedication and leadership abilities were recognized, and in 1891, he was appointed as the Procurator and Vicar General of the Camillians.

During a retreat in Rome in the same year, Father Louis Tezza encountered Blessed Josephine Vannini, both of whom shared the desire to establish a women's congregation following the spirit of Saint Camillus de Lellis. Their prayers and discernment led to the foundation of the Congregation of the Daughters of Saint Camillus on 2 February 1892. This congregation received papal approval in 1931 and continues to thrive.

In 1900, Father Louis Tezza was sent to Peru as an Official Visitor with the mission of reforming the Camillian community that had been separated from the Order hierarchy for a century. The community was at risk of suppression. Initially intending to stay for a short period, Father Luigi was asked by the archbishop and nuncio to remain in Lima. He would spend his remaining twenty-three years in Lima, working tirelessly to reform and re-establish the Camillians. He dedicated himself to serving the sick and poor in hospitals, homes, and prisons. Additionally, Father Louis served as a confessor and spiritual director to the archdiocesan seminary and several other religious congregations, while also offering his counsel to the nuncio and archbishop. During this time, he played a vital role in helping Teresa Candamo establish a new religious institute.

Blessed Louis Tezza passed away on 23 September 1923 in Lima, Peru. He was laid to rest at the Generalate of the Daughters of Saint Camillus in Via Anagnina, Grottaferrata, Rome, Italy. His holiness and heroic virtues were recognized by Pope John Paul II on 7 March 1992, when he declared Father Louis Tezza venerable. Subsequently, on 4 November 2001, Pope John Paul II beatified him.

Blessed Louis Tezza's life is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the Camillian Order, his selfless service to the sick and suffering, and his dedication to fostering religious vocations and the care of the marginalized. He remains an inspiration and a model for all those seeking to live a life rooted in faith and compassionate service.