Filippo Smaldone

Saint Filippo Smaldone
San Filippo Smaldone
Priest
Born	27 July 1848 Naples, Kingdom of the Two Sicilies
Died	4 June 1923 (aged 74) Lecce, Kingdom of Italy
Venerated in	Roman Catholic Church
Beatified	8 May 1996, Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City by John Paul II
Canonized	15 October 2006, Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City by Pope Benedict XVI
Feast	4 June
Attributes	Cassock
Patronage	Salesian Sisters of the Sacred Hearts Deaf people

Saint Filippo Smaldone (27 July 1848 – 4 June 1923) was an Italian Roman Catholic priest and is regarded now as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church. He founded the Salesian Sisters of the Sacred Hearts and is known for his extensive work with the deaf.^[1]

Smaldone was born in Naples in 1848 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1871; during his time in the seminary he began efforts to help the deaf of his native city. He also did work with the sick and nearly died of a plague. He credited his survival to Our Lady of Pompeii. In 1885 he founded an institution for the deaf at Lecce and went on to work with the blind as well and also orphans before dying at 75 from diabetes-related complications.^[2]

Pope John Paul II proclaimed him as Venerable in 1995 and beatified Smaldone in 1996; Pope Benedict XVI canonized him as a saint on 15 October 2006.

References

1. ZENIT
2. EWTN

External links

• Filippo Smaldone at Catholic Forum
• Salesian Missions