Blessed
Blessed Pietro Bonilli
Priest and founder of the Suore della Sacra Famiglia di Spoleto, Cannaiola di Trevi, 1841-1935
Early life
Pietro Bonilli was born at San Lorenzo di Trevi on 15 March 1841, to poor people rich in faith.[1] His meeting with a priest, don Ludovico Pieri, at Trevi, where he went to study, changed his life from a tender age; it was he who kindled in his heart a devotion to the Holy Family and guided him in his priestly vocation.[1]
Ministry
Ordained in 1863, he chose to be a country parish priest at Cannaiola di Trevi.[1] He was parish priest of Cannaiola di Trevi for 34 years.[1] In that small town, on 13 May 1888, he founded the Congregazione delle Suore della Sacra Famiglia di Spoleto, an institute devoted to the care of the poor, orphans, the deaf and dumb, the blind and the abandoned.[1]
Death and recognition
He died in 1935.[1] He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on 24 April 1988.[1]
Follow the evidence
Sources and notes
- Pietro Bonilli
Dicastery for the Causes of Saints · Italian
Accessed 2026-09-05
Editorial notes
Translated and condensed from the Dicastery's official Italian profile by an automated pass on 2026-09-09; identity matched on the death date and name; editorial review pending.
This is an AI-assisted draft prepared from the sources above. Its citations identify its evidence; they do not replace a historical review.
The inherited biography
The earlier biography for this record, kept unchanged while the sourced draft is reviewed.
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Blessed Pietro Bonilli, also known as Peter Bonilli, was born on 15 March 1841 in San Lorendo di Trevi, Perugia, Italy. He was a devout priest who dedicated his life to serving the Catholic Church and the marginalized in society. Ordained in 1863, he served as a priest in the diocese of Spoleto, Italy.
After his ordination, Blessed Pietro Bonilli was appointed as the parish priest in Cannaiola, Trevi, Italy. He passionately served this community for an impressive 34 years, tirelessly working for the betterment of the local people. During his time as a parish priest, he came across numerous orphans, the deaf, the blind, and homeless individuals who were in desperate need of care and education.
Feeling called to address these pressing social issues, Blessed Pietro Bonilli founded the Suore della Sacra Famiglia (Sisters of the Holy Family) on 13 May 1888. This religious congregation was established with the primary mission of providing assistance, education, and support to orphans, the deaf, the blind, and especially needy girls. Under his guidance, the Sisters of the Holy Family worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those who were often overlooked or forgotten by society.
In recognition of his exceptional commitment to the Church and his unwavering dedication to helping the marginalized, Blessed Pietro Bonilli was appointed as a canon of the cathedral of Spoleto, Italy in 1898. This prestigious position reflected his deep faith and his influential role within the diocese.
Blessed Pietro Bonilli passed away on 5 January 1935 in Spoleto, Perugia, Italy, at the age of 93. His death was attributed to natural causes, marking the end of a life lived in service to God and his fellow humans. The relics of Blessed Pietro Bonilli were enshrined in the church of Michael the Archangel in Cannaiola di Trevi, Italy, where he had faithfully served as a parish priest for many years.
The outstanding virtues and exemplary life of Blessed Pietro Bonilli did not go unnoticed. He was venerated on 30 June 1986 by Pope John Paul II, who declared his virtues as heroic. This recognition by the Pope paved the way for his beatification, which took place on 24 April 1988, also performed by Pope John Paul II.
Blessed Pietro Bonilli's life and work continue to inspire many. His selfless devotion to the service of others, particularly the vulnerable, remains a testament to the Christian values of love, compassion, and social justice. His legacy lives on through the Sisters of the Holy Family, who carry forward his mission to this day.
Heraldry & Devotional Emblems
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