SALVATORE MICALIZZI, CM (1856-1937)
Venerable Father Salvatore Micalizzi was born in Naples on 5 November 1856. Salvatore’s family was well-to-do, but the situation changed radically when, struck by the cholera that raged in Naples in 1865, his father died, leaving his wife and six children in dire straits. Salvatore corresponded with and collaborated in his mother’s efforts and sacrifices. As the firstborn, he made it his duty of conscience, even more so when, eight years after the death of his father, his mother died after a short illness. Orphans therefore of both parents, the small Micalizzis were left alone, and a cousin of the mother pitifully welcomed them until each one had found his/her definitive solution. The young Micalizzi, abandoning studies, had to give himself to manual work for some years. The Venerable Attardi, who had long sensed the young man’s true vocation, took a keen interest in ensuring that his pupil would correspond to it. Deacon Salvatore Micalizzi finally was consecrated a priest on 23 September 1882 in the cathedral of Naples. From the first days of his priesthood, the Venerable, inflamed with zeal, launched himself into an apostolate that would see him committed, without pause, for over 50 years until his death. He soon became fit for the ministry of Confession, which, with so much fruit and satisfaction of souls, was to be the main occupation of his 55 years of priesthood! Micalizzi, already a priest, applied “…to the good Priests of the Mission at the holy and dear house of the Vergini in Naples and was accepted among the sons of Saint Vincent de Paul. It was 24 May 1884. He immediately was assigned to the spiritual formation of external clerics and was soon very active in another of the Congregation’s apostolic works in which he always excelled: the Popular Missions. At the same time, the Venerable, a true son of Saint Vincent, was untiring in preaching retreats to the clergy. In 1904, he was called back to the Vergini as Assistant. Thus began the period in which he better meditated and clarified to himself the themes related to what he always considered his specific mission: the sanctification of the clergy. In the following years, the Venerable continued to work according to this special vocation of his, as well as in absolute dedication to preaching and confession, prayer and penance, especially for the clergy. Again superior in Lecce from 1911 to 1918, he returned definitively to Naples in October 1918, with the specific task of preaching and taking care of the retreats to the clergy (although, until 1922, he continued his apostolate in the Popular Missions). His room at the Vergini was stormed during the retreats: there was a line! He continued tirelessly until October 1937. He was almost 81 years old. On the evening of 6 October, he went into the retreat with the entire Community of the Vergini. Four days later, he felt ill and was asked to take to his bed. Around 4:30 on the morning of 14 October, the coadjutor brother who assisted him entered his room and found him kneeling beside the bed, dead. More than one person saw in that position of prayer a significant and symbolic element. The funeral took place on 15 October and the veneration that the Venerable enjoyed became evident. Micalizzi was buried in the Chapel of the Priests of the Mission in the cemetery of Poggioreale in Naples. On 7 December 1956, accepting the unanimous desire to see Father Micalizzi glorified, the Visitor of the Neapolitan Province of the Congregation of the Mission, Father Cesa, asked the Archbishop of Naples, Cardinal Mimmi, for the introduction of the Diocesan Informative Process. The request was granted, and, on 23 February 1957, the process of considering his reputation for holiness began, and on 25 February 1958, the body was identified. On 3 July 1958, the mortal remains of the Venerable were transferred to the Vergini. Prayer to obtain graces through the intercession of Venerable Salvatore Micalizzi: Almighty and Merciful God, I adore You and thank You for all the benefits that You have granted me. In particular, I want to thank You for those with which You filled Your faithful servant, Father Salvatore Micalizzi, and I ask that You grant me, through his intercession, all that I ardently ask of You. Deign, Lord, listening to my prayer, to glorify Your servant who worked so hard to procure Your glory. Amen.
