Saint Ignatius of Santhià

Biography

Saint Ignatius of Santhià, also known as Ignazio da Santhià, Lawrence Belvisotti, Lorenzo Maurizio Belvisotti, and Maurice Belvisotti, was born on 5 June 1686 in Santhià, Vercelli, Italy, as Maurice Belvisotti. After being ordained in 1710 in the diocese of Vercelli, Ignatius served as a parish priest for six years. During this time, he was offered a position of authority in the diocese, but he chose to decline the offer. Instead, on 24 May 1716, he entered the Capuchins of Turin, Italy, as a novice, taking the name Ignatius. This marked the beginning of his 54 years of service within the Order. Despite being younger than his novice master, Ignatius accepted this arrangement with humility. In 1717, he was assigned to the convent in Saluzzo, Italy, where he served as the sacristan. Over the years, he held various roles within the Order, including being a novice master at Chieri, Italy, and a sacristan at Capuchin Hill in Turin, which had a significant number of priests under its care. In 1731, Ignatius became the novice master at Mondovi and held this position until 1744. However, due to an eye illness, he had to step down from his role for nearly two years. After recovering, he resumed his duties in a different capacity. He became the head chaplain of the armies of the King of Piedmont, who were engaged in a conflict against invading Franco-Hispanic forces. Ignatius was renowned for his dedicated ministry in the field, offering spiritual support to the soldiers and tending to the needs of the wounded. Following the war, Ignatius returned to Capuchin Hill, where he dedicated himself to serving as a confessor and religious instructor for the lay brothers. In his later years, he spent his days visiting the sick and the poor in Turin. His reputation for holiness and the blessings he imparted drew thousands of people daily to Capuchin Hill seeking his blessings and spiritual guidance. Saint Ignatius of Santhià passed away on 22 September 1770 in Turin, Italy, from natural causes. He was venerated on 19 March 1827 by Pope Leo XII, who declared him to have lived a life of heroic virtues. Pope Paul VI beatified Ignatius on 17 April 1966 in Rome, Italy. Finally, on 19 May 2002, Saint Ignatius of Santhià was canonized by Pope John Paul II, also in Rome. Although there is no specific patronage attributed to Saint Ignatius of Santhià, his life serves as an inspiration for humility, selfless service, and devotion to the marginalized and the sick. He is remembered as a dedicated Capuchin friar who exemplified the virtues of his religious order throughout his long and remarkable life.