Venerable Fr. Francis Chiesa Pastor, Author, Theologian
Francesco Chiesa was born in Montà d'Alba (Piedmont), Italy on April 2, 1874. After completing his studies in the seminary of Alba, he was ordained a priest. Following this, he earned a degree in philosophy in Rome, one in theology in Genoa, and one in civil and canon law in Turin. For more than fifty years, he taught in the seminary of Alba and in the Society of St. Paul, imparting to seminarians and priests not only knowledge but also the priestly spirit. At the same lime, he dedicated himself to writing and produced many articles for books and periodicals. Appointed pastor of Sts. Cosmas and Damian parish in 1913, he guided his parishioners with wisdom and love for 33 years. Spiritual director and advisor to Fr. Alberione, he supported the Pauline Family in its beginnings and accompanied its development. He died in Alba on June 14, 1946. He was proclaimed venerable on 11 December 1987.
Prayer for the Beatification of Venerable Canon Francis Chiesa Jesus Master, Way, Truth and Life, you have enriched Canon Francis Chiesa with the singular gifts of science, pastoral zeal and holiness of life under the gaze of the Holy Family of Nazareth. Glorify in the Church this faithful servant and through his intercession, grant me the grace that I ask of you... And you, Venerable Francis, who have taught Blessed James Alberione to transform everything as objects of meditation and prayer leading human knowledge back to Christ, grant that in your footsteps we may collaborate in building the Christian community and the promotion of true values in the current culture of communication. Amen. Glory to the Father...
To be saints is not a privilege for the few, but a vocation for everyone.
