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Also known as: Ludovic
Pavoni
Profile
Trained in theology by the Dominican Father Carlo Ferrari, future bishop
of Brescia. Ordained in 1807. Founded an Oratory for Christian education
of poor boys in Brescia. Secretary to bishop Gabrio Nava in 1812.
Rector of Saint Barnabas church in 1818 where soon after he founded an
orphanage and associated trade school, basing his work on the idea that
improving social conditions will improve the spiritual life, and improving
the spiritual life will improve social conditions. In 1821 the school
became the Institute of Saint Barnabas. Along with carpentry,
silversmithing, blacksmithing, shoemaking, agriculture, and tool and dye
makers, the school stressed the trades of printing and publishing. In 1823
Ludivico established The Publishing House of the Institute of Saint
Barnabas; it exists today under the name Ancora. That same year, the
school began taking in deaf and mute students.
In 1825 he founded a religious congregation of priests and brothers to run
the school; it became the Brothers of Mary Immaculate or Pavoniani. Pope
Gregory XVI authorized it for Brescia in 1843, and on 8 December 1847,
Lodovico and the first members made their religious profession. Today
there are 210 members in Brazil, Colombia, Eritrea, Germany, Italy and
Spain, and they still publish books.
On 24 March 1849, Brescia was in rebellion against the Austrians. Both
sides were ready to pillage the city and Father Ludovico led his boys to
safety at Saiano, seven miles away. He died a week later as Brescia was in
flames, but his boys were safe.
Born: 11 September 1784 at Brescia, Italy
Died: Palm Sunday 1 April 1849 at Saianco, Italy of natural causes
Beatified: 14 April 2002 by Pope John Paul II
Canonized: pending
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