Nicolò Rusca

After his ordination, Nicolò Rusca was first sent to minister in Sessa (Canton of Ticino). In 1590, he was appointed archpriest of Sondrio, a strategic town in the Valtellina. At that time, the Valtellina was under the dominion of the Republic of the Three Leagues (the Grisons), where Protestant reforms (Zwinglian and Calvinist) were actively spreading, creating strong political and religious tensions. As archpriest, Rusca distinguished himself by his pastoral zeal and his fidelity to the decrees of the Council of Trent. He dedicated himself to reforming local ecclesial life, improving the liturgy, teaching the catechism, and supporting the poor. He vigorously defended the Catholic faith against the expansion of Protestantism, notably participating in public theological disputes, such as the one in Tirano in 1595-1596, the acts of which he published in 1598 (Acta disputationis Tiranensis adversus Calvinum). Despite the firmness of his convictions, he maintained relations of mutual respect with certain moderate reformers, such as the pastor Scipione Calandrini. However, his resolute opposition to Protestant initiatives, particularly his refusal in 1617 to allow the opening of a Reformed-oriented school in Sondrio, drew the hostility of radical Protestant factions.

Political tensions worsened in the region, and Nicolò Rusca was suspected by the authorities of the Grisons of collaborating with the Spanish government of Milan to the detriment of the Three Leagues. Having already been briefly arrested and acquitted in 1608, he refused to flee permanently so as not to abandon his parishioners. In the night of July 24 to 25, 1618, a troop of armed soldiers sent by a radical Protestant faction seized him at the rectory of Sondrio. He was dragged across the mountains to Thusis, in the Grisons, to be judged by a biased popular tribunal. Accused of conspiracy and violence against Reformed ministers, he rejected all the unfounded charges. Subjected to cruel and repeated torture for several days, he refused to renounce his faith or confess to imaginary crimes. He died from the effects of his torments on September 4, 1618, in Thusis, without having been able to receive the last sacraments he requested.

The reputation of Nicolò Rusca's martyrdom was established immediately among the Catholics of the region. His mortal remains were first kept in Switzerland before being solemnly transferred in 1852 to the Collegiate Church of Saints Gervasius and Protasius in Sondrio, thanks to the authorization of the Roman Curia. The cause for beatification was officially opened at the diocesan level in 1934 and concluded in 1996. On December 19, 2011, Pope Benedict XVI authorized the promulgation of the decree recognizing his martyrdom in hatred of the faith (in odium fidei). The beatification ceremony was celebrated on April 21, 2013, in Piazza Garibaldi in Sondrio. It was presided over by Cardinal Angelo Amato, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, representing Pope Francis. His liturgical memorial is set for September 4, the day of his birth into heaven.

The spirituality of Nicolò Rusca is deeply marked by the Catholic Reformation and the influence of Saint Charles Borromeo. His pastoral ministry rests on a dual requirement: a solid doctrinal formation and an active charity towards all, including his opponents. His spiritual motto, often recalled during his beatification, summarizes his stance: "Odiate l'errore, non l'errante" (Hate the error, but love the one who errs). His martyrdom deeply marked the history of the Valtellina, becoming a symbol of ecclesial fidelity. Today, his relics are venerated under the altar of the collegiate church of Sondrio, and a pilgrimage route, the "Sentiero Rusca" (Rusca Path), connects Sondrio to the Muret Pass, allowing the faithful to walk in the footsteps of his final earthly journey.