Francesco Convertini

Encouraged by Father Amadei, Francesco Convertini joined the Salesians. On December 7, 1927, he received the missionary cross and embarked for India. He completed his novitiate in Shillong under the direction of Stefano Ferrando and became a disciple of Costantino Vendrame. Ordained a priest in 1935, he was sent in 1943 to Krishnagar, in Bengal. There, he carried out intense missionary activity, tirelessly visiting villages to care for children and promote peace between the Christian, Hindu, and Muslim communities.

Father Convertini led a life of absolute stripping away, giving everything to the poor and sleeping on the bare floor. His reputation for holiness grew thanks to his charity and simplicity. In 1975, his health declined and he suffered an embolism. He passed away on February 11, 1976, in Krishnagar, while invoking the Virgin Mary. His funeral brought together a huge crowd of all denominations.

The cause for beatification was opened in the diocese of Krishnagar, with a diocesan inquiry conducted from 1997 to 2005. On January 20, 2017, Pope Francis signed the decree recognizing the heroic nature of his virtues, declaring him venerable. The cause continues, awaiting a miracle for his beatification.

The spirituality of Francesco Convertini is based on the charism of Don Bosco and the maternal maxim 'Put love' into every action. He leaves behind the image of a missionary of mercy respected beyond religious barriers. Each year, around February 11, a Peace March is organized in his honor between Locorotondo and Cisternino.