Filippo Bardellini

The major work of Father Filippo Bardellini is intimately linked to the foundation of the Institute of the Little Poor of the House of Nazareth (Poverette della Casa di Nazareth). In 1921, deeply touched by the distress of people suffering from mental or psychological disabilities—then totally ignored and marginalized by society—he decided to dedicate his life to them. Encouraged by his spiritual director and friend, the future Saint John Calabria (Giovanni Calabria), and supported by his sister Elisa Bardellini as well as his first collaborator Teresa Scaglia (1881-1958), he laid the foundations for this new religious community. The institute began modestly in 1927 in Father Filippo's paternal home, where he welcomed the first disabled children. In 1928, a second house was opened in Ponton di Domegliara (Sant'Ambrogio di Valpolicella) to accommodate young girls discharged from the provincial sanatorium. On August 15, 1933, the religious profession of the first sisters, guided by Teresa Scaglia, was celebrated with the imposition of the Miraculous Medal. In 1937, Father Filippo attempted to establish a male branch, the 'Little Poor of the House of Nazareth' (Poveretti della Casa di Nazareth), but this foundation did not continue, and the boys who were welcomed were transferred to Ponton, then to Corrubio di Negarine. The Institute of the Little Poor received diocesan canonical approval on December 25, 1958, two years after the founder's death, and was recognized as a legal entity in 1961.

Alongside the direction of his work, Father Filippo Bardellini assumed heavy ecclesial responsibilities, becoming provost of the Congregation of the Oratory of Verona from 1926 to 1948. Throughout his life, he had to face numerous trials and misunderstandings. The most painful occurred during the Second World War: on November 21, 1944, the explosion of a military wagon near the locality of Volargne completely destroyed a building of the institute, causing the death of twenty people, including disabled children and nuns. Faced with this tragedy, Father Filippo manifested a heroic faith and a total abandonment to the will of God. In 1948, weakened by illness, he was relieved of his position as provost. He spent the last eight years of his life almost entirely paralyzed and bedridden at the motherhouse in Ponton, offering his sufferings in prayer and silence. He passed away holily on Friday, August 24, 1956, at 3:00 PM (the hour of Christ's death) in Ponton di Domegliara, at the age of 78. Initially buried in the Verona cemetery, his body was transferred on February 3, 1996, to the chapel of the motherhouse in Ponton.

The reputation for holiness of Father Filippo Bardellini, both within the Church and in civil society, prompted the Bishop of Verona, Msgr. Giuseppe Carraro, to introduce his cause for beatification. On April 25, 1978, an official request was addressed to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, which granted the Nihil Obstat on July 31, 1981. The diocesan inquiry process into the life and virtues of the Servant of God was opened on January 20, 1982, and concluded on May 23, 1989. After the examination of the Positio by the theologians and cardinals of the Congregation, Pope John Paul II promulgated, on April 12, 2003, the decree recognizing the heroic nature of his virtues, thus conferring upon him the title of Venerable.

The spirituality of Father Filippo Bardellini is characterized by an absolute trust in Divine Providence, lived out in humility and simplicity. His spiritual leitmotif summarizes his life: "Charity in humility, humility in charity, and simplicity in all things" (Carità nell'umiltà, umiltà nella carità e semplicità in tutto). Nicknamed "the martyr of the smile," he strove to overcome all physical and moral trials through a communicative joy and an unalterable gentleness. He was a pioneer in the recognition of the human dignity of persons suffering from mental disabilities, asserting with strength: "Even the mentally disabled person is a person: and as such, they must be respected and helped, just like others; they have the right to have their gifts developed and cultivated in all areas where this is possible." Today, Father Filippo's legacy is perpetuated by the Fondazione Poverette Casa Nazareth. Religious sisters and consecrated laypeople manage several day centers, residential communities, and vocational training centers (CFP) in Ponton, Volargne, Corrubio di Negarine, Verona, and Mozzecane, offering disabled persons a path of social and professional integration founded on evangelical charity.