Agostino Ernesto Castrillo
An Italian Franciscan bishop (1904-1955), Agostino Ernesto Castrillo distinguished himself by his heroic pastoral dedication during the war and his serenity in the face of illness.
Contemporaries
Figures and markers around the normalized period for this entry.
Guided reading
5 reading sections
Biography
Youth, Franciscan vocation, and priestly ordination of Ernesto Luigi Castrillo, who became Father Agostino.
Ernesto Luigi Castrillo was born on February 18, 1904, in Pietravairano, Italy, into a Christian farming family. The third of eleven children, he grew up in a pious environment, encouraged by his mother and his aunts who were members of the Third Order of Saint Francis. After brief studies and an apprenticeship as a shoemaker, he entered the college of the Friars Minor in Sepino in 1914. In 1919, he joined the novitiate in Amelia, where he took the name Agostino. He made his temporary vows in 1920, made his solemn profession in 1927, and was ordained a priest on June 11, 1927, in Molfetta.
Life and work
Priestly ministry, dedication during the war, and elevation to the episcopate.
Father Agostino began his ministry in Ascoli Satriano, dedicating himself notably during the 1930 earthquake. He then taught in Castellana Grotte before becoming a parish priest in Foggia in 1936, and later provincial minister in 1940. During the Second World War, he demonstrated remarkable pastoral heroism under the bombings of Foggia in 1943. After missions of spiritual direction in Rome and pacification in Salerno, he was appointed Bishop of San Marco Argentano and Bisignano by Pope Pius XII in 1953, beginning a rigorous pastoral visit in 1954.
Journey toward holiness
The painful illness of Bishop Castrillo, experienced with heroic faith and serenity.
Shortly after his episcopal installation, Bishop Castrillo was struck by a very advanced renal cancer with metastases. Condemned to immobility, he spent the last thirteen months of his life in great suffering, which he offered for his diocese and the Church. He expressed his joy in suffering to fulfill his duty as a bishop. He passed away in the odor of sanctity on October 16, 1955, in San Marco Argentano.
Beatification and canonization
The beatification process and the recognition of the heroic nature of his virtues by Pope Francis.
The cause for beatification was introduced at the request of his successor, Bishop Luigi Rinaldi. The diocesan inquiry took place from 1985 to 1999, supplemented by a rogatory inquiry in Foggia. On June 16, 2017, Pope Francis authorized the promulgation of the decree recognizing the heroic nature of his virtues, conferring upon him the title of Venerable. A miracle is required for his beatification.
Spirituality and legacy
The attachment to the Franciscan charism and the living memory of the Venerable.
The spirituality of Bishop Castrillo is based on humility, poverty, and love for the poor, symbolized by his choice to retain the Franciscan grey habit. He prioritized prayer, particularly requesting the prayers of children. His memory remains very much alive in the dioceses of San Marco Argentano-Scalea and Foggia-Bovino, where he is commemorated on October 16.
Iconography
Signs and attributes
Frequently asked questions about Agostino Ernesto Castrillo
Who was Agostino Ernesto Castrillo?
An Italian Franciscan bishop (1904-1955), Agostino Ernesto Castrillo distinguished himself by his heroic pastoral dedication during the war and his serenity in the face of illness.
How is Agostino Ernesto Castrillo depicted in Christian art?
In iconography, Agostino Ernesto Castrillo is recognizable by: grey Franciscan habit.
Which saints were contemporaries of Agostino Ernesto Castrillo?
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 Agostino Ernesto Castrillo die?
Agostino Ernesto Castrillo died around 1955.
What are the other names of Agostino Ernesto Castrillo?
Other forms of the name: Ernesto Luigi Castrillo.
Who are the relatives of Agostino Ernesto Castrillo?
Relatives of Agostino Ernesto Castrillo: Raffaele Castrillo (father) and Concetta Melenghi (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: 1904-1955
- Decree of venerability by Francis
Quotes
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Do not pity me: I am happy to suffer! It is my duty as a bishop: to pray and to suffer.
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