Gaspar Bertoni

Gaspar Bertoni Luigi Dionigi ( born October 9, 1777 Verona, † June 12, 1853 in Verona ) was an Italian priest and founder of the order. He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church.

Gaspar came from a wealthy family notary. A gifted student, he joined after leaving school in the seminary of his native city, and was ordained a priest 23 years old. He was appointed Spiritual Director of the Seminary and in 1808 the spiritual leader of the Institute of Canossians. 1816 Gaspar founded the " Padri Stim Matine " (German Priest of the Holy Wounds ( Jesus ) ). The members of this community, which was founded in 1925 papal recognition, support the bishop in missionary and pastoral concerns. Gaspar, who was a popular folk missionary, received from Rome the title of " Apostolic Missionary ". He was called by Pope Paul VI. 1975 and blessed by Pope John Paul II canonized in 1989.