Marcello Labor
A devoted doctor known as the "doctor of the poor" in Pola, then a priest and seminary rector, Marcello Labor endured the persecutions of the 20th century with unwavering faith.
Contemporaries
Figures and markers around the normalized period for this entry.
Guided reading
5 reading sections
Biography
Youth, marriage, conversion, and service during the First World War.
Marcello Loewy was born on July 8, 1890, in Trieste into a Jewish family of Hungarian origin. Raised by his father Carlo after the early death of his mother, he studied medicine in Vienna and Graz. In 1912, he married Elsa Reiss and his family adopted the name "Labor." The couple received Catholic baptism on December 23, 1914, in Ljubljana. During the First World War, he served as a lieutenant-physician in the Austro-Hungarian army, was taken prisoner by the Russians, and was then released after the 1917 revolution.
Life and Work
His medical dedication in Pola and his late call to the priesthood.
Established in Pola after the war, Marcello Labor earned the nickname "doctor of the poor" for his dedication to the indigent. After the death of his wife Elsa in 1934, he felt the call to the priesthood. Ordained a priest in 1940, he became rector of the seminary of Capodistria. During the Second World War and under Tito's regime, he suffered persecution due to his Jewish origins and his ministry, experiencing temporary exile and then prison before continuing his ministry in Gorizia and Trieste.
Journey toward holiness
A progressive conversion leading to a total gift of self to the Church.
The journey of Marcello Labor is marked by a progressive conversion. Baptized in 1914, his faith deepened intensely starting in 1929 through charitable action. Having become a priest, he lived in total detachment from material goods and absolute obedience. He passed away on September 29, 1954, in Trieste following a heart attack, asking for the Gospel of John to be read to him and whispering 'Everything for the Church.' He was buried poor and naked, according to his final wishes.
Beatification and canonization
The process of recognition of his heroic virtues by the Church.
The cause for beatification was opened in Trieste in 1996. His remains were transferred in 1997 to the church of Sant'Antonio Taumaturgo in Trieste. On June 5, 2015, Pope Francis authorized the promulgation of the decree recognizing his heroic virtues, conferring upon him the title of Venerable. No miracle has yet been officially recognized for his beatification.
Spirituality and legacy
A spiritual fatherhood unifying his lives as a physician, husband, and priest.
The spirituality of Marcello Labor is characterized by a profound spiritual fatherhood, unifying his experiences as a husband, father, physician, and priest. His legacy as a "saint of the everyday" in the face of the totalitarianisms of the 20th century is today promoted by the association "Siloe – Amici di Marcello Labor".
Frequently asked questions about Marcello Labor
Who was Marcello Labor?
A devoted doctor known as the "doctor of the poor" in Pola, then a priest and seminary rector, Marcello Labor endured the persecutions of the 20th century with unwavering faith.
Which saints were contemporaries of Marcello Labor?
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 Marcello Labor die?
Marcello Labor died around 2000.
What are the other names of Marcello Labor?
Other forms of the name: Marcello Loewy.
Who are the relatives of Marcello Labor?
Relatives of Marcello Labor: Carlo Loewy (father), Elsa Reiss (wife), Maria Labor (daughter), Giuliana Labor (daughter) and Livio Labor (son).
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Era / death: 1890-1954
- Decree of venerability by Francis
Quotes
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Everything for the Church
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poor and naked
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