On 14 October, the Vincentian Family remembers the Venerable Father Salvatore Micalizzi, missionary of the Congregation of the Mission, son of Naples and priest with a heart burning with charity. His life, entirely devoted to the service of God and his brothers and sisters, continues to be a light for the Church and for the people of Naples.
Born in Naples on 5 November 1856, the young Salvatore soon faced trials: orphaned, he took charge of his siblings with generosity and faith. Ordained a priest in 1882, two years later he joined the Vincentian Missionaries, professing his vows in 1886. From that moment on, his life was marked by a single passion: to make God’s love known, especially to the poor and to priests.
He was a preacher of popular missions, director of souls, and superior in various houses of the Congregation. But the most intense part of his life took place in the silence of the confessional: he spent up to twelve hours a day there, welcoming everyone with a smile and mercy. He was a father with a humble heart to all, capable of making them feel the tenderness of Christ.
However, his great mission was the sanctification of the clergy. He promoted spiritual exercises for priests throughout Italy, spreading the urgency of the interior life and priestly fraternity. He was received several times by St. Pius X, who held him in high esteem and, thanks in part to his influence, included in the 1917 Code of Canon Law the obligation for priests to perform periodic spiritual exercises.
On 14 October 1937, while he was praying, he died on his knees, like one who had spent his life in dialogue with God. The fame of his holiness spread rapidly: in Naples, in the Church of the Virgins, his tomb is still today a destination for prayer and gratitude.
In 2006, Benedict XVI recognised his heroic virtues, proclaiming him Venerable. The Church now awaits the recognition of a miracle for his beatification.
Father Micalizzi is for us a living reminder of mercy incarnate, of the courage of daily fidelity, of the humble and persevering service that transforms the world.
In his clear gaze and in his life spent for the Gospel, the Vincentian Family still recognises today the face of Christ who passes among the poor and gives peace to hearts.
Almighty and merciful God,
we thank you for the gifts you have bestowed on your servant Salvatore Micalizzi.
Through his intercession,
may we grow in faith and charity,
and grant us the graces we implore.
Glorify, Lord, your faithful servant,
who worked so hard for your glory.
Amen.
