Casa natale di San Luigi Versiglia
Museum | Oliva Gessi | Lombardia | Italy
The "Casa natale di San Luigi Versiglia" in Oliva Gessi, Lombardy, Italy, is the birthplace of San Luigi Versiglia, a prominent Catholic bishop and martyr. Born on June 5, 1873, Versiglia joined the Salesians of Don Bosco in 1889 and dedicated himself to missionary work in China. He was appointed Apostolic Vicar of Shaoguan in 1920. On February 25, 1930, he was martyred by pirates along with the priest Callisto Caravario. Both were canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2000.
Architecture and significance
The birthplace of San Luigi Versiglia was built in 1832 and later converted into a museum. On the facade, there is a marble plaque with a bronze medallion of the saint. Inside, personal belongings, memories of his time in China, photographs, documents, and other materials are displayed, illustrating his life and work.
Conclusion
The "Casa natale di San Luigi Versiglia" is a significant cultural and religious center that offers visitors an insight into the life and missionary work of one of the most well-known saints of the Salesians of Don Bosco. It serves as a place of remembrance and inspiration for believers and the curious alike.