Saint Filippo Smaldone

Biography

Saint Filippo Smaldone, also known as Filippo Maria Giuseppe Smaldone, was born on July 27, 1848, in Naples, Italy. From a young age, he displayed a strong sense of compassion and a desire to help others. This calling led him to the seminary, where he would eventually become a priest and dedicate his life to serving the deaf-mute community. During his time in the seminary, Filippo worked extensively with deaf-mutes in Naples. He was deeply moved by their struggles and felt a strong connection to their plight. After being ordained in 1871, he continued his work with the deaf-mutes, seeking to provide them with access to education and spiritual guidance. In addition to his work with the deaf-mute community, Father Filippo also dedicated himself to helping those suffering from various illnesses and diseases. He fearlessly ministered to plague victims, putting his own life at risk. In a moment of divine intervention, he himself contracted the disease but was miraculously cured through the intercession of Our Lady of Pompei. At one point, Father Filippo experienced a period of frustration and considered giving up his teaching position to work in the foreign missions. However, his spiritual advisor convinced him to stay, and he wholeheartedly threw himself into his work. In March 1885, with the assistance of Father Lorenzo Apicelia and several nuns he had trained, he established a school for deaf-mutes in Lecce, Italy. This school became the motherhouse of the Congregation of the Salesian Sisters of the Sacred Hearts, a religious congregation dedicated to the education and care of the deaf and mute, blind, orphaned, and abandoned children. Father Filippo expanded the work of his schools to include these children and provided them with love, education, and a nurturing environment. Not only was Father Filippo a compassionate caregiver, but he also served as a confessor and spiritual director to countless priests, seminarians, and religious communities. His guidance and wisdom were highly regarded and sought after by many. Father Filippo's devotion to the Eucharist led him to found the Eucharistic League of Priest Adorers and the Eucharistic League of Women Adorers. These organizations aimed to foster a deep reverence and love for the Blessed Sacrament. Through his tireless efforts and dedication, Father Filippo became the Superior of the Congregation of the Missionaries of Saint Francis de Sales. He also held the honored position of Canon of the Lecce cathedral, further cementing his influence and impact on the local community. Saint Filippo Smaldone passed away on June 4, 1923, in Lecce, Italy, due to a combination of diabetes and a heart condition. His selfless service and unwavering commitment to the well-being and education of the marginalized earned him great respect and recognition from both the Church and civil authorities. Pope John Paul II officially recognized and venerated Saint Filippo on July 11, 1995. He was later beatified on May 8, 1996, by Pope John Paul II, and canonized on October 15, 2006, by Pope Benedict XVI. Today, Saint Filippo Smaldone is remembered as a true example of love, compassion, and dedication to those most in need. Though he remains without a specific patronage, he continues to inspire and intercede on behalf of all who face difficulties and challenges in their lives.