Alberto Marvelli

During the Second World War, Alberto Marvelli devoted himself tirelessly to helping the victims of the bombings in Rimini, distributing food and clothing by bicycle. He led humanitarian resistance actions by freeing young people from German deportation wagons. After the liberation in 1945, he was appointed assessor in charge of reconstruction and housing, distinguishing himself by his integrity and his absolute priority for the poor. He founded a Popular University, a soup kitchen, participated in the ACLI, and created a construction cooperative. Solicited for the elections under the Christian Democracy label, he died tragically after being struck by a military truck on October 5, 1946.

The tragic death of Alberto Marvelli sparked deep emotion. His funeral drew a massive crowd, and his tomb became a place of pilgrimage. His cause for beatification officially opened on January 16, 1975, under the pontificate of Paul VI with the decree of nihil obstat. The diocesan inquiry took place in Rimini from 1975 to 1976. On March 22, 1986, Pope John Paul II recognized the heroic nature of his virtues and declared him Venerable.

The miracle accepted for his beatification is the scientifically inexplicable healing in 1991 of Dr. Tito Malfatti, who was suffering from a severe herniated disc, after praying at Alberto's tomb in Rimini. This miracle was approved by the medical commission in 2002, and then by the theologians and cardinals in 2003. Pope John Paul II signed the decree recognizing the miracle on July 7, 2003. Alberto Marvelli was beatified on September 5, 2004, by John Paul II in Loreto before more than 300,000 faithful. His liturgical feast is set for October 5.

The spirituality of Alberto Marvelli is based on the daily Eucharist and Marian devotion, drawing from contemplation the strength for his social action. By living his faith at the heart of professional and political realities, he anticipated the theology of the laity of the Second Vatican Council. John Paul II praised his ability to bring the Gospel to the heart of society. He remains a model of modern holiness for young people, athletes, and those involved in public life.