LUIGI FANTOZZI (priest)
BORN: Chiesina Uzzanese, PT – 2.05.1870
ORDINATION: Pescia – 28.10.1894
FINAL PROFESSION: Trento - 1900
DECEASED: Sezano, VR – 4.12.1953
AGE: 83
He knew the Stigmatines in Udine, during his military service (1890-1894). He could continue his studies of theology through their support. After the military service he was consecrated priest by his bishop of Pescia. He decided to become Stigmatine, against much opposition.
He was assigned to the house of Parma, where he became military chaplain and assistant in the state Reformatory.
From 1902 to 1919 he founded and directed the “Workers Patronato” at the Stimmate, and also the first rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, annexed to the Stimmate.
In 1925 he left for the mission of China, as leader of the first four missionaries. In 1928 he had to come back for health reasons.
After the Second World War he came from Rome to Verona at the Stimmate and the Apostolic House. He was instrumental in obtaining a new site on the San Leonardo hill for the re-building of the shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, that was bombed during the war.
