Carlo Sterpi

Recognized as the co-founder of the Little Work of Divine Providence (the Orionines), Don Carlo Sterpi was its organizer and rigorous manager. He directed the San Romolo boarding school in Sanremo, then founded several institutes in the Veneto region (Venice, Campocroce di Mirano, Mestre), and traveled to Latin America in 1921. Elected Superior General in 1940 upon the death of Don Orione, he protected many persecuted individuals during the Second World War, including the Jewish sculptor Arrigo Minerbi. Struck by paralysis in 1944, he retired in 1946 and died on November 22, 1951.

From the moment of his death, Don Carlo Sterpi enjoyed an immense reputation for holiness, notably supported by Cardinal Giuseppe Siri, Archbishop of Genoa, who praised his humility and gentleness. The diocesan informative process opened in Tortona on November 28, 1958, and concluded in 1972. The validity of this process was decreed by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints on December 14, 1984, followed by the publication of the Positio in 1988.

On September 7, 1989, Pope John Paul II promulgated the decree recognizing the heroic nature of his virtues, conferring upon him the title of Venerable. The cause is currently awaiting the official recognition of a miracle to pave the way for his beatification. His mortal remains were transferred in May 1960 to the crypt of the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Guardia in Tortona, alongside Saint Luigi Orione.

Nicknamed the "saint of silence" or the "man of the second place," Don Sterpi lived in the shadow of the founder out of humility and obedience. His spiritual testament insists on the union between love for the poor and fidelity to the Pope and the Church. His birthplace in Gavazzana is now a museum, and he was honored posthumously in March 2023 at the "Garden of the Righteous" in Pontecurone for his rescue efforts during the war.