Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Fides Service) - Luigi Orione was born at Pontecurone (AL), 23 June 1872, of humble parents. While still only a seminarian at the age of 20 he showed concern for poor children and opened a college for them in Tortona (1893). This was the start of a long journey which led Don Orione to spread spiritual and material assistance coming from the riches of Divine Providence and his own heart which knew no borders. To achieve what his love for Christ and for the poor was planning he gathered a group of collaborators and started the first of his religious families the Sons of Divine Providence. Soon the priests were joined by Hermits, blind and non blind, the BrothersHelpers, and the Little Missionary Sisters of Charity (1915), then the blind Sacramentine Sisters, and lastly the more recent community of contemplative nuns. He also involved lay people in his apostolate of charity. Together they form that which from the outset Don Orione called the Little Work of Divine Providence.
Don Orione was born and lived in poverty in contact with social injustice and in a world which was fast becoming de-Christianised. Always ready to heed the Lord’s call, he worked with enthusiasm and courage and trust in Divine Providence. He worked tirelessly to help people affected by earthquakes in Reggio and Messina (90.000 dead in 1908) and Marsica (30.000 dead in 1915) writing pages of human and religious heroism. He took his work of charity and his zeal for the Church up and down Italy and then to the rest of Europe and to America north and south where he made two missionary visits 1921-1922 and 1934-1937 - and in Africa. Everywhere he opened schools, churches and above all homes for the poor and the needy, all the whole proclaiming the Gospel of Christ.
Don Orione was a born communicator: he was a fine preacher who fascinated his listeners; his written works of apostolate were second to none, especially through his letters he moved hearts and minds of many people in all walks of life; he opened printing presses, and circulated leaflets and booklets; in 1931 is opened the first press office; he spoke over the Radio several times; he crossed the seas, he flew from Argentina to Chile. When he died on March 12, 1940, Pope Pius XII said he had been "father of the poor and benefactor of humanity abandoned and grieving".
Pope John Paul II beatified him on 26 October 1980, presenting him to the Church as "a marvellous and genial expression of Christian charity", "certainly one of the most eminent personalities of the century for his faith lived openly", "he had the fibre and heart of St Paul the Apostle, tender and sensitive, tireless and courageous, persevering and dynamic to heroism".
The Little Work of Divine Providence is present today in more than 30 different countries in Europe, Africa, Asia and America. It includes the Sons of Divine Providence (1100 members), the Little Missionary Sisters of Charity (900), Orionino Secular Institute (170) and a vast Orionino Lay Movement which radiates in the world, especially among the poor, the spirit and projects of the Founder.
Among the latest developments four new Piccolo Cottolengo homes: in the outskirts of Manila (2001) and Mexico City (2003), and soon in Bucharest (2004) and Fortaleza (2005). In the last 12 months new mission frontiers in: Maputo (Mozambique), with commitment to open a home for children mutilated by landmines; Porto Velho (Amazon, Brazil), Baga (Togo), Antsofinondry (Madagascar) with a free high school. New works in Easter Europe : at L’viv in Ukraine and Lahiszyn (Belo-Russia) with a home of mercy for poor abandoned people and a church. In Italy, Orionine communities work mainly to renovate and improve existing works to meet new needs. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 10/5/2004; Righe 45; Parole 652)
