St. Filippo Smaldone

St. Filippo Smaldone was an Italian priest and founder of the Institute of the Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, dedicated to the education and care of the deaf. He was canonized in 2007.

St. Filippo Smaldone was born on March 27, 1848, in the small town of Sulmona, in the province of L’Aquila, Italy. From a young age, Filippo showed a deep interest in both spiritual matters and the care of those less fortunate. He entered the seminary to study for the priesthood and was ordained a priest in 1871, when he was 23 years old. He began his priestly ministry in the Diocese of Oria, a town in the Apulia region of southern Italy, where he would spend the rest of his life.

Filippo was deeply moved by the needs of the deaf and the challenges they faced in a society that did not provide adequate resources for their education and spiritual formation. He saw a significant need for the proper care of deaf individuals, both in terms of education and spiritual guidance. In 1885, he founded the Institute of the Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, a religious order dedicated to the education and care of the deaf. His mission was to provide not only education but also to instill in these individuals a sense of dignity and worth, empowering them through both knowledge and faith.

The work of St. Filippo Smaldone was groundbreaking. His vision of a religious community devoted to the care and education of the deaf was revolutionary in his time, and it had a lasting impact on the Catholic Church’s approach to caring for individuals with disabilities. Through the Institute he founded, the Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, his work expanded rapidly, establishing schools and centers dedicated to the care of the deaf across Italy and beyond. His community grew, and by the time of his death, it had become an international organization.

St. Filippo Smaldone was known for his deep spiritual life, his great dedication to his work, and his intense love for the poor and marginalized, particularly the deaf. He believed that education and faith were the keys to uplifting the lives of the deaf, and he worked tirelessly to ensure that they had the opportunity to experience both. He was deeply committed to the Sacrament of the Eucharist and to fostering a sense of community among his students and fellow workers.

Throughout his life, he faced significant challenges, both from the difficulties inherent in his ministry and from opposition to his efforts. However, his unwavering faith and devotion to his cause kept him going. He was also known for his humility, living a simple life and always putting the needs of others before his own. He spent much of his life in relative obscurity, focusing on his work and his mission, without seeking recognition or fame.

St. Filippo Smaldone died on June 4, 1923, at the age of 75. His death marked the end of a life that had been entirely devoted to the service of others, particularly the deaf and marginalized. His legacy lived on through the Institute that he founded, which continues to serve people in need worldwide.

In recognition of his extraordinary life and work, St. Filippo Smaldone was beatified by Pope John Paul II on April 12, 1996, and later canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 12, 2007. His canonization recognized not only his work in education and service to the deaf but also his deep spirituality and unwavering commitment to Christ’s call to serve the poor and marginalized.

Today, St. Filippo Smaldone is venerated as a patron saint of the deaf and of educators who serve those with disabilities. His feast day is celebrated on June 4, the anniversary of his death, and he remains a model of charity, humility, and dedication to service.

Feast Day

4-6-

Birth Date

27-3-1848

Died Date

4-6-1923

Canonised Date

12-10-2007

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St. Filippo Smaldone, you dedicated your life to educating and supporting the deaf, bringing the love of Christ to those in need. Help us to see with compassion those who are marginalized and help us find ways to serve them with love. Pray for us that we may walk in the light of charity and work to improve the lives of others. Amen.
ST. FILIPPO SMALDONE

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ST. FILIPPO SMALDONE

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