Blessed Tommaso Reggio

Blessed Tommaso Reggio was the son of Angela Pareto and the Marquis of Reggio. He felt a call to the priesthood at age twenty, and after his studies was ordained on September 18, 1841. He was appointed vice-rector of the seminary in Genoa, Italy at age twenty-five, and later served as rector of the seminary in Chiavari. A man of deep social concern, he helped found The Catholic Standard, the first Catholic newspaper in Italy, using the press to defend the faith and promote Catholic values. He served as a bishop and dedicated himself to the care of the poor, the education of youth, and the renewal of clerical life. His pastoral zeal and commitment to social justice through Catholic action made him a beloved shepherd of his flock.