Saint Ludovico Pavoni

One of Ludovico's significant contributions was the foundation of an Oratory for the Christian education of poor boys in Brescia. As secretary to bishop Gabrio Nava in 1812, Ludovico gained valuable experience and insight into the needs of the local community. In 1818, he became the rector of Saint Barnabas church where he soon established an orphanage and an associated trade school.

Ludovico firmly believed that by improving the social conditions of the underprivileged, their spiritual lives would also be enhanced, and vice versa. With this vision in mind, he founded the Institute of Saint Barnabas, which became a hub for nurturing and equipping young boys with practical skills. The school taught various trades, including carpentry, silversmithing, blacksmithing, shoemaking, agriculture, and tool and dye making. Additionally, the Institute emphasized trades related to printing and publishing. In 1823, Ludovico established The Publishing House of the Institute of Saint Barnabas, known today as Ancora. This publishing house has continued its operations and has become a significant part of Ludovico's enduring legacy. In the same year, the school began admitting deaf and mute students, displaying Ludovico's commitment to inclusivity and providing educational opportunities to all.

Recognizing the need for sustainable leadership and the continuation of his mission, Ludovico founded a religious congregation of priests and brothers in 1825. This congregation, known as the Sons of Mary Immaculate or Pavonians, took responsibility for running the Institute of Saint Barnabas. It was officially authorized for Brescia by Pope Gregory XVI in 1843. On 8 December 1847, Ludovico and the first members of the congregation made their religious profession, solidifying the establishment of the Pavonians. Saint Ludovico Pavoni passed away on Palm Sunday, 1 April 1849, at Saianco, Italy, due to natural causes. His death came at a time when Brescia was in rebellion against the Austrians, and both sides were on the verge of pillaging the city.

However, Ludovico managed to lead his boys to safety in Saianco, ensuring their security during the chaos. Unfortunately, he did not live to see the end of the rebellion or the safety of his beloved boys. Saint Ludovico Pavoni was beatified on 14 April 2002 by Pope John Paul II. The beatification miracle involved the 1909 cure of Maria Stevani from typhoid fever, which was attributed to Ludovico's intercession. He was later canonized on 16 October 2016 by Pope Francis. The canonization miracle involved the healing of a man from severe health complications in the archdiocese of São Paulo, Brazil, again through the intercession of Saint Ludovico. Today, the Sons of Mary Immaculate continue Ludovico's mission, with 210 members spread across Brazil, Colombia, Eritrea, Germany, Italy, and Spain.

They still operate the Institute of Saint Barnabas and continue publishing books through Ancora. Saint Ludovico Pavoni is revered as the patron saint of the Sons of Mary Immaculate, and his feast days are celebrated on 1 April. In the archdiocese of Milan, Italy, his feast day is observed on 27 May, and in the diocese of Brescia, Italy, it is celebrated on 28 May.