RenaissanceBlessed Mark Anthony Durando
Mark
Anthony Durando was born in Mondovi (CN – Italy) on May 22, 1801 and died in
Turin on December 10, 1850. Two of his brothers joined the military and politics
as informers during the first phase of the Italian
Renaissance
Mark
Anthony became a missionary of St Vincent de Paul, and was sent to the missions
in China. Nonetheless, he dedicated himself to the propagation of the popular
missions in his country. Later, he became the Superior (1831) of the
Missionaries. He also became a Provincial (1837), remaining in this office until
his death.
An
untiring worker, he introduced in Italy the Company of the Daughters of
Charity of the St. Vincent de Paul (1833). He founded the “Casa de la
Misericordia” (House of Mercy), a real center of assistance for the poor
people of Turin, sent missionary fathers and sisters to Crimea to assist the
wounded and sick soldiers.
In
1865, he founded the Hermanas Nazarenas (Nazarene Sisters), entrusting them to
the Servant of God, Luigia Borgiotti (1802-1873).
The
remains of Fr. Durando rest in the Church of the Visitation in Turin. The cause
for his beatification began in Rome in the year 1941. He will be canonized by
Pope John Paul II on October 20, 2002, in Rome, in time for the celebration of
World Mission Sunday.
The
Nazarene Sisters
A
simple name, and a religious habit made even more simple, a community life
without pretensions and without any ambition of being known, a spirituality
always oriented towards the Passion of Christ, works of great Christian value:
assistance to the sick at a 24-hour shelter, for the rich and the poor alike;
education to children deprived of family affection, rest centers, parish
apostolate, care of the lepers in the missions and apostolate in Brousse:
These are the Nazarene Sisters of Fr. Durando.
A
splendid example practiced by these generous souls, who have always wanted to
dedicate their entire life or some years of their life to the Lord for the sake
of our needy brothers, who struggle to give meaning to their existence.
