Giovanni Ancina

Sent to Naples in 1586, Giovanni Giovenale Ancina distinguished himself there through his sermons. A poet and composer, he published the collection of polyphonic music "Tempio armonico della Beata Vergine" in 1599. Recalled to Rome in 1596, he collaborated with Cardinal Cesare Baronio. Despite his initial reluctance out of humility, he accepted out of obedience to be appointed Bishop of Saluzzo on August 26, 1602. Consecrated on September 1, 1602, by Cardinal Camillo Borghese, he committed himself from 1603 to a rigorous pastoral reform inspired by the Council of Trent.

In May 1604, Bishop Ancina met Saint Francis de Sales in Carmagnola, leading to a famous spiritual exchange where they mutually referred to each other as salt and light. Having reprimanded a religious man for a scandalous relationship with a nun, Bishop Ancina was seized with violent pains on August 20, 1604, after drinking wine during a meal at the Franciscan convent. Criminal poisoning is strongly suspected. He died on August 30, 1604, after ten days of agony lived in prayer.

The reputation for holiness of Msgr. Ancina led to the opening of a canonical process as early as 1619. Although the postulation attempted to have his death recognized as a martyrdom by poisoning, the lack of formal evidence directed the cause toward the ordinary path of heroic virtues. Pope Leo XIII solemnly proclaimed his beatification on February 9, 1890, in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. His remains rest in the Cathedral of Saluzzo.

Marked by the school of Saint Philip Neri, the spirituality of Giovanni Giovenale Ancina is centered around joy, simplicity, and active charity. His friend Saint Francis de Sales wrote a remarkable eulogy of his inherited virtues, noting that he had been greatly inflamed by reading his letters. Nicknamed the "father of the poor," he also leaves an important artistic legacy through his musical compositions and poetry.