Basilio Martinelli

After obtaining his degree, Father Basilio Martinelli was assigned to the Canova College in Possagno, in the province of Treviso, an educational house of his congregation. It was there that he would spend the greater part of his life, dedicating himself body and soul to the dual mission of educator and priest.

For more than fifty years, until the age of 78, he taught Latin and Greek to young students. A methodical, patient teacher of tireless zeal, he applied the evangelical pedagogy of profound respect for youth, always seeking to discern and foster the best in every student. For him, teaching was not a simple transmission of knowledge, but an extension of the Holy Mass.

Alongside his teaching duties, he served as master of novices and formator for the young theology students of his congregation. He also distinguished himself through an extremely fruitful confessional ministry. A highly sought-after confessor and spiritual director, he spent long hours in the confessional, providing spiritual counsel to young people, fathers and mothers of families, as well as to the priests and religious of the region.

At the age of 78, Father Basilio retired from active teaching. He spent the last ten years of his life in the solitude of his cell, slowly consuming himself in prayer and the silent offering of his sufferings. During this period, he was afflicted with progressive blindness and painful sores all over his body (as well as a severe hernia), infirmities he strove to hide from his confreres so as not to trouble them and to unite himself more intimately with the Passion of Christ.

He passed away in the odor of sanctity on March 16, 1962, at the Canova College in Possagno, surrounded by the prayers of his community.

Given the persistence of his reputation for holiness, the beatification process was initiated in the Diocese of Treviso. The diocesan inquiry into his life and virtues was officially opened on May 18, 1985, by the Bishop of Treviso, Msgr. Antonio Mistrorigo, and concluded on March 16, 1988. The legal validity of this inquiry was recognized by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints on March 20, 1992, paving the way for the drafting of the Positio, which was published in 1994.

On July 14, 2009, the Particular Congress of Theological Consultants gave a favorable opinion on the heroism of his virtues. On April 13, 2010, the ordinary session of cardinals and bishops confirmed this judgment.

On July 1, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI authorized the promulgation of the decree recognizing the heroism of his virtues, thus conferring upon him the official title of Venerable. The cause is currently awaiting the official recognition of a miracle attributed to his intercession to allow for his beatification.

The spirituality of the Venerable Basilio Martinelli is characterized by what theologians have described as "ferial holiness" or daily simplicity. Without performing external acts of brilliance, he lived the ordinary duties of his religious and priestly life in an extraordinary way.

His spiritual pillars were an intimate and constant union with God, a fervent devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to the Eucharist, and to the mystery of the Cross. He professed a radical love for evangelical poverty, writing in his personal notes: "I want to be poor, very poor... rich only in love towards God and towards my brothers."

His legacy remains alive within the Congregation of the Schools of Charity (Cavanis Fathers) and particularly in Possagno, where the Basilio Martinelli Foundation continues charitable and educational works, particularly in the field of aid to youth and health.