Enrico Mauri
An Italian priest and founder of the Opera della Madonnina del Grappa, Enrico Mauri dedicated his life to supporting war widows and family ministry.
Contemporaries
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Guided reading
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Biography
Birth, youth, and priestly ordination of Enrico Mauri in the Archdiocese of Milan.
Enrico Mauri was born on October 26, 1883, in Bosisio Parini, in the province of Lecco and the Archdiocese of Milan. His parents, Giuseppe Mauri and Giuseppina Seregni, were of modest means. His mother died of tuberculosis in September 1886, and little Enrico was entrusted at the age of forty days to the Frigerio family in Vill'Albese. Orphaned at a very young age, he grew up under the spiritual guidance of Father Giuseppe Villa. In October 1896, he entered the San Carlo pre-seminary in Domaso and received confirmation in 1897 at the hands of Msgr. Teodoro Valfrè. He continued his studies at the San Pietro Martire seminary in Seveso. Despite fragile health, he was ordained a priest on June 13, 1908, by Cardinal Andrea Carlo Ferrari. His first ministry was served as secretary to the Bishop of Bobbio, Msgr. Luigi Marelli. In 1916, he returned to Milan, joined the Congregation of the Oblates of Saints Ambrose and Charles, and became a vicar in the parish of San Gregorio Magno.
Life and Work
Foundation of the National Association of Mothers and Widows of War, the Work of the Madonnina del Grappa, and the Secular Institute of the Oblates of Christ the King.
Marked by the First World War, Father Enrico Mauri founded the National Association of Mothers and Widows of War in 1917. He collaborated with Armida Barelli to launch the Women's Youth of Catholic Action, of which he was the first national spiritual assistant from 1918 to 1922. In 1921, he was appointed national director of the Pontifical Society of St. Peter the Apostle. In 1922, he inaugurated the Work of the Madonnina del Grappa in Sestri Levante to support war widows and orphans, establishing daily Eucharistic adoration there in 1924. Between 1930 and 1940, he laid the foundations for the Secular Institute of the Oblates of Christ the King, canonically erected at the diocesan level in 1941 by Msgr. Giovanni Costantini. After the dissolution of the priestly branch in 1949, the women's branch was recognized as being of pontifical right on May 24, 1966.
Journey toward holiness
Life of prayer, family pastoral care, and the final moments of Father Enrico Mauri.
Father Enrico Mauri led a life of intense prayer and abandonment to Providence. In 1954, he founded the Center for Ascetical Apostolate in Sestri Levante, offering retreats for married couples and anticipating modern family pastoral care. He also established the Villa Annunciata in Casaglia di Besana Brianza. After a first heart attack in 1960, his health declined. On May 9, 1967, suffering from a new heart attack, he was transported to Sestri Levante where he passed away on May 10, 1967. His remains rest in the crypt of the Temple-Sanctuary of the Work in Sestri Levante.
Beatification and canonization
Opening of the cause for beatification and recognition of heroic virtues by Pope Francis.
The cause for the beatification and canonization of Father Enrico Mauri officially opened on November 30, 1996, in the Diocese of Chiavari. After the diocesan inquiry, the file was transmitted to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints in Rome. On May 19, 2018, Pope Francis authorized the promulgation of the decree recognizing his heroic virtues, conferring upon him the title of Venerable. His liturgical feast is set for May 10.
Spirituality and legacy
Theology of nuptiality and the endurance of his work in Italy and Africa.
The spirituality of Enrico Mauri is centered on the mystery of Christ's nuptial love for the Church. Drawing inspiration from the encyclical Casti Connubii, he developed a theology of nuptiality, presenting marriage, celibacy, and widowhood as paths to holiness. His legacy is perpetuated through the Spiritual Family of the Madonnina del Grappa, which includes the Secular Institute of the Oblates of Christ the King, the movement for widows Speranza e Vita, the association Sposi in Cristo, and the Amici della Madonnina. Since the year 2000, this spirituality has also taken root in Rwanda.
Frequently asked questions about Enrico Mauri
Who was Enrico Mauri?
An Italian priest and founder of the Opera della Madonnina del Grappa, Enrico Mauri dedicated his life to supporting war widows and family ministry.
Which saints were contemporaries of Enrico Mauri?
Contemporaries include: Pauline of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus, Felipe de Jesús Munárriz and 50 companions, Mariano de Jesús Euse Hoyos and Teresa of Jesus of the Andes.
When did Enrico Mauri die?
Enrico Mauri died around 1967.
Who are the relatives of Enrico Mauri?
Relatives of Enrico Mauri: Giuseppe Mauri (father) and Giuseppina Seregni (mother).
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Era / death: 1883-1967
- Decree of venerability by Francis