Mosè Tovini

Returning to Brescia in 1904, Father Mosè taught mathematics, philosophy, sociology, apologetics, and dogmatic theology at the diocesan seminary. Among his students was the young Giovanni Battista Montini, the future Pope Paul VI. In 1905, he joined the Congregation of the Oblate Priests of the Holy Family. At the same time, he became involved in catechesis, cared for the sick during the Spanish flu (1917-1918), and accompanied seminarians returning from the front. Diocesan assistant for Catholic Action from 1921 to 1926, he founded its men's branch in 1922. Appointed rector of the seminary in 1926, he exercised his office with gentleness and firmness until his death, which occurred on January 28, 1930, following bilateral pneumonia.

The reputation for holiness of Father Mosè Tovini was maintained well after his death, particularly among the clergy of Brescia. His beatification process officially opened on June 10, 1999, and closed on April 1, 2001. On April 12, 2003, Pope John Paul II signed the decree recognizing the heroic nature of his virtues, declaring him Venerable. Subsequently, on December 19, 2005, Pope Benedict XVI authorized the promulgation of the decree recognizing a miracle attributed to his intercession, thus opening the way for his beatification.

Mosè Tovini was beatified on September 17, 2006, in the Cathedral of Brescia. The ceremony was presided over by Cardinal José Saraiva Martins, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, representing Pope Benedict XVI. The miracle accepted for his beatification was the extraordinary, rapid, complete, and scientifically inexplicable healing of Father Giovanni Flocchini, former pastor of Comero. His main liturgical memorial is set for June 9, the anniversary of his priestly ordination, while January 28 commemorates his death.

The spirituality of Mosè Tovini is based on humility, gentleness, and total obedience to the Church. Upon becoming rector in 1926, he proposed to the seminarians the 'three whitenesses' that should guide every priest: the Eucharist, the Immaculate Virgin, and the Pope. His spiritual legacy remains alive in Brescia. In 1956, his former student, the future Pope Paul VI, wrote a glowing preface for his biography, describing him as a priest of great value who is worth remembering.