Blessed Joseph Cottolengo
Born Bra, Italy, 1786; died Chieri, 1842. He became a canon of the Church of Corpus Christi at Turin, where, in imitation of Saint Vincent de Paul, he worked among the poor and sick, and completed the Casa della Providenza, a group of hospitals and asylums with accommodation for 7000 patients. In connection with this work he established houses of the Sisters of Saint Vincent de Paul, of Saint Thais, of Carmel, of Suffrage, of Mary of the Seven Dolors, of the Good Shepherd, of Brothers of Saint Vincent de Paul, of Hermits of Gassin, and of Fathers of the Holy Trinity. The Blessed Virgin appeared to him twice. Beatified, 1917. Feast, at Alba Pompea, O.F.M., and at Turin, 30 April.
New Catholic Dictionary
