Giorgio La Pira
Giorgio La Pira (1904-1977), nicknamed the "saintly mayor" of Florence, was an Italian politician of the Third Order of Saint Dominic, recognized as Venerable in 2018.
Contemporaries
Figures and markers around the normalized period for this entry.
Guided reading
5 reading sections
Biography
Youth, studies, and conversion of Giorgio La Pira.
Giorgio La Pira was born on January 9, 1904, in Pozzallo, Sicily. The eldest of six children, he continued his studies in Messina starting in 1914 with his uncle Luigi Occhipinti. On Easter Day 1924, he experienced a profound spiritual conversion. He moved to Florence in 1926, where he obtained his doctorate in law and became a member of the Dominican Third Order in 1927 under the name Fra Raimondo. In 1933, he obtained the chair of Roman law at the University of Florence, and from 1936, he chose to live in a cell at the Dominican convent of San Marco.
Life and Work
The charitable commitment, resistance to fascism, and political action of Giorgio La Pira.
In 1934, Giorgio La Pira founded the Mass of the Poor at San Procolo to support the most destitute. During the Second World War, he opposed fascism through the journal Principi, then took refuge in Rome under the protection of Msgr. Montini. After the war, he participated in the drafting of the Italian Constitution and became Undersecretary of State for Labor. Elected mayor of Florence (1951-1957, 1961-1965), nicknamed the "saintly mayor," he rebuilt the city, protected jobs, and worked for international peace by traveling to Moscow, China, and Vietnam.
Path to Holiness
The life of prayer, voluntary poverty, and the final moments of Giorgio La Pira.
Despite his political responsibilities, Giorgio La Pira maintained absolute poverty, distributing his income to the poor. His life was punctuated by intense prayer and Eucharistic adoration. He passed away on November 5, 1977, in Florence. His funeral gathered a vast crowd, and Cardinal Benelli emphasized that his life could only be understood through faith. His body rests in the Basilica of San Marco in Florence.
Beatification and canonization
The process for the recognition of the holiness of Giorgio La Pira.
The cause for beatification was opened in Florence by Cardinal Silvano Piovanelli. The diocesan inquiry took place from 1986 to 2005, and was validated in 2007 by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. After the submission of the Positio in 2017, Pope Francis authorized the promulgation of the decree recognizing the heroic nature of his virtues on July 5, 2018, granting him the title of Venerable.
Spirituality and legacy
The theological thought and contemporary legacy of Giorgio La Pira.
Rooted in Thomism, Dominican contemplation, and Franciscan poverty, the spirituality of Giorgio La Pira rests on 'communitarian personalism.' He considered cities to be living entities endowed with a soul. His legacy is preserved today by the Giorgio La Pira Foundation in Florence, making him a model of engaged lay holiness.
Frequently asked questions about Giorgio La Pira
Who was Giorgio La Pira?
Giorgio La Pira (1904-1977), nicknamed the "saintly mayor" of Florence, was an Italian politician of the Third Order of Saint Dominic, recognized as Venerable in 2018.
What is Giorgio La Pira the patron saint of?
Patronage of Giorgio La Pira: Maires, Mayors, Hommes politiques and Politicians.
Which saints were contemporaries of Giorgio La Pira?
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 Giorgio La Pira die?
Giorgio La Pira died around 1977.
Who are the relatives of Giorgio La Pira?
Relatives of Giorgio La Pira: Gaetano La Pira (father), Angela Occhipinti (mother) and Luigi Occhipinti (uncle).
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Era / death: 1977
- Decree of venerability in 2018 by Francis
Quotes
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One cannot understand anything about Giorgio La Pira if one does not place him on the level of faith.
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