Adorno, Francis

ADORNO, FRANCESCO. – Jesuit preacher, born in Genoa on 13 September 1533, died there on 13 January 1586. He encountered the Society of Jesus in Portugal and entered it on 10 June 1549 at the Coimbra novitiate. Recalled to Italy after ten years, he enjoyed great success as a preacher in various cities and was assigned governmental offices (rector of the Colleges of Padua, 1560–67, and Milan, 1581–84; Provincial of Lombardy, 1567–70, 1573–78). But he is chiefly known for his relations with s. Carlo Borromeo, of whom he was spiritual director (after Fr. Ribera), adviser in the most diverse affairs, and one of his most trusted collaborators in the formation of the clergy, in various controversies (such as that concerning theatrical performances), and in diplomatic and apostolic missions (for example, in Valtellina, 1584). The saint took him as a companion on various pilgrimages. The account that A. dictated of Borromeo’s pilgrimage in 1578 to the Holy Shroud in Turin is often cited in the Latin version by Giov. Andrea Guarnieri, printed in Bergamo in 1579; the Italian original, however, was published by Mons. P. Savio in Aevum, 17 (1933), pp. 423–54. Other works by A., for the most part remaining in manuscript, on questions of canon law (in the Biblioteca Ambrosiana) are listed in Sommervogel’s bibliography. In 1580, s. Carlo had proposed to Gregorio XIII that A. be appointed general of the Society (Acquaviva was elected); in 1584 he wanted him at his side during his final journeys and the spiritual exercises held at Varallo, and A. assisted him at his death.