Blessed Francisco Faà di Bruno

"God's invitation to become saints is for all, not just a few. Sanctity therefore must be accessible to all. In what does it consist? In a lot of activity? No. In doing extraordinary things? No, this could not be for everybody and at all times. Therefore, sanctity consists in doing good, and in doing this good in whatever condition and place God has placed us. Nothing more, nothing outside of this."
- Blessed Louis Tezza (1841 - 1923)

Today is the feast day of Blessed Francisco Faà di Bruno. Francisco was born in Alessandria, Italy, in 1825. He was the youngest of 12 children in an aristocratic family. He joined the Sardinian army and during his time in it he had the rank of captain-of-staff at one time. He soon left the army, however, to pursue doctoral studies in mathematics and astronomy in Paris. He also had a special interest in religion and asceticism. He founded the Society of St. Zita for maids and domestic servants, and it later included unmarried mothers and other people. He established hostels for the elderly and poor, and also oversaw the construction of a church which was to be dedicated to the Italian soldiers who had died in trying to unite Italy. As he grew older, Francisco wished to become a priest. Despite his age,  Francisco was ordained a priest at the age of 51. After he became a priest, he continued to do good works. He died in Turin in 1888, and was beatified in 1988 by Pope John Paul II. 

Blessed Francisco Faà di Bruno, pray for us!

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Picture Of And Information About Bl. Francisco Taken From:

http://www.americancatholic.org/features/saintofday/

http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=7185

http://dlukecuevas.wordpress.com/2008/08/01/late-vocations-blessed-francis-faa-di-bruno/